Current Pediatric Research

Background: The practice of good positioning and attachment during lactation plays a great role in the practice of exclusive breast feeding. Yet, there is a scarcity of evidence concerning breast feeding techniques in sub-saharan Africa including Ethiopia. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the practice of attachment and positioning during lactation and its associated factors among lactating mothers visiting Jimma university medical center.

Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 415 lactating mothers from December 15, 2020, to January 15, 2021. Study participants were selected by using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected by using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire and observational checklist. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors, and the strength of association was evaluated by using an odds ratio at 95% confidence interval and a P-value<0.05 was considered to declare significant associations.

Results: In this study, the overall proportion of effective lactation technique was 39.3%. Primipara (AOR; 0.37; 95% CI (0.18-0.77)). Unmarried marital status (AOR; 0.61; 95% CI (0.379-0.99)). Receiving immediate breastfeeding techniques counseling (AOR; 0.318 95% CI (0.19-0.51)) were association with the practice of effective breastfeeding technique.

Conclusions: The overall practice of effective attachment, suckling and positioning during lactation in this study was very low compared to the world health organization recommendation. Marital status, parity and breastfeeding technique counseling immediately after delivery were significant factors associated with the practice of effective lactation technique. Hence, each mother should be counselled and observed for the mother’s and infant’s positioning and effective suckling at the onset of breastfeeding before discharge. Besides, special emphasis should be placed on primipara and unmarried mothers to improve the practice of effective breast feeding technique.

Author(s): Tilahun Wodaynew, Abebe Merchaw, Wondwosen Molla, Aynalem Yetwale

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