Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The mode of delivery influences breastfeeding practices. Moreover, cesarean
deliveries under anesthesia related risk factors may affect timing of breastfeeding initiation
compared to vaginal deliveries. In addition, high rates of caesarean section and low breastfeeding
rates are important public health concerns for all developing countries, including Ethiopia.
Objective: This study was aimed to assess prevalence of delayed breastfeeding and its associated
factors among women delivered via CS under spinal anesthesia at the University of Gondar
Comprehensive Specialized Hospital to promote and encourage early breastfeeding.
Methods: Institutional-based cross-sectional study was employed among 422 systematically
selected mothers from April to June, 2021. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire. Data
entry and analysis was done using Epi Data and Stata version 14.0. Binary logistic regressions were
computed to identify factors. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to
declare statistical significance.
Results: Delayed initiation of breastfeeding was 41.8%. The main maternal reason were pain, feel
too tired, sleepy baby, lack of guidance, long time in the operation theatre. Whereas mothers who
had emergency C-section [AOR?=2.13, 95%CI(1.21-3.75)], had less than four ANC follow up
[AOR=1.77, 95% CI (1.02-3.13)], had moderate to severe pain during the perioperative period
[AOR?=2.65, 95%CI (1.24–5.54)], primipara [AOR =1.89; 95%CI (1.20-3.25)], intraoperative opioid
medication [AOR =1.86; 95%CI (1.01-3.30)] and had no skin to skin contact.
