Breastfeeding Practices Among Healthcare Professionals Versus the General Population: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is an important component of maternal and child health, yet recommended practices are not consistently followed across different population groups.

Objective: This study aimed to assess breastfeeding practices and compare important feeding-related factors among healthcare professionals and women from the general population.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at  Aga Khan Health Services, Pakistan and Nishtar Hospital Multan from January 2023 to September 2023, including 331 mothers with previous or current breastfeeding experience. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, breastfeeding initiation, pre-lacteal feeding, colostrum use, exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, breastfeeding duration, and workplace-related practices.

Results: Early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour was reported by 27.8% of mothers, while 14.2% practised exclusive breastfeeding to six months. Pre-lacteal feeding was highly prevalent at 84.3%, whereas 71.6% of mothers gave colostrum to their infants. Continued breastfeeding to 24 months was reported by 44.8% of mothers with completed breastfeeding histories. Respondent category and parity were significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Vaginal delivery was independently associated with higher odds of early breastfeeding initiation compared with cesarean section, while mothers with medical or postgraduate education had lower odds of pre-lacteal feeding.

Conclusion: Recommended breastfeeding practices were not consistently followed in the study population. Early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding were relatively low, whereas pre-lacteal feeding was common.