Abstract:
Background: The Initiation of breast milk expression was the time when mothers began
expressing milk from their breasts. In preterm neonates, sucking and swallowing reflex
coordination with breathing is poor, so breast milk expression is an optimal solution to start
breastfeeding. There is limited literature in the study area regarding the study topic.
Objective: To assess the Initiation of breast milk expression and associated factors among mothers
of preterm neonates admitted at Neonatal intensive care unit, Amhara region, comprehensive
specialized Hospitals, Ethiopia 2023.
Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Amhara region's
comprehensive specialised hospitals from April 15–May 15, 2023. Systematic random sampling
was used to obtain study participants. Maternal interviews and the neonate’s chart were used to
gather data from 401 respondents, and then the collected data was entered, coded, and cleaned into
EPi-Data version 4.6.0.2 and analysed by Stata 14.0 Software. In the bivariable logistic regression
model, variables that had a p-value < 0.25 were further analysed in the Multivariate logistic
regression model with a p-value < 0.05, and a 95% confidence interval of the AOR was used to
determine the association between the dependent and independent variables.
Result: From 422 participants, 401 (95.02%) were involved in the study. The late initiation time
of breast milk expression was 340 (84.79%). Respondents GA < 32 wks (AOR = 3.59; 95% CI:
1.21, 10.61), who don’t get instruction to express milk within the first 6 hrs (AOR = 2.48; 95%
CI: 1.06,5.79), who don’t get family support (AOR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.10,4.36), and who don’t
know the importance of mother’s milk for preterm neonates (AOR = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.24,4.47),
were significantly associated with late initiation of breast milk expression.
Conclusion and recommendation: Based on the findings, the initiation of breast milk expression
was poor. Getting instruction, knowing the importance of mother’s milk, family support, and GA
< 32 wks were significantly associated with late initiation of breast milk expression. Therefore,
health workers should instruct mothers within 6 hours of delivery, especially GA < 32 weeks.
