Factors Influencing Early Initiation of Breast Feeding Among Mothers at Post Natal Ward, Kabale Regional Referral Hospital

Abstracts Background: Breastfeeding has been accepted as the most vital intervention for reducing infant mortality and ensuring optimal growth and development of children (WHO, 2015). Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study with both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques was used. Results: The study found out that post natal mothers had various factors including young age 78 (58.6%), marital status 91 (68.4%), education 52(39.1%), employment status 48 (36.1%), parity 52 (39.1%) and area of residence 67 (50.4%). All respondents 133 (100%) had ever heard about early initiation of breast feeding, most 43 (32.3%) had not initiated breast feeding early as recommended they initiated between 2 – 3 hours after birth, most 81 (60.9%) were not aware of the potential dangers of late initiation of breast feeding. Respondents did not face cultural factors as most 81 (60.9%) reported that their tribe viewed the use of colostrum as good. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study revealed that respondents faced various demographic, knowledge deficits as well as cultural factors which affected early initiation of breast feeding.