Prelacteal feeding practices among lactating mothers in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is the cornerstone of adequate early infant nutrition. Despite the acknowledged gains of Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) and other interventional measures in ensuring optimal infant nutrition, it is still a common practice for newborn babies to be given
substances other than breast milk within the first day of life.
Methods: To re-examine why this is so, a prospective, cross-sectional
study involving mothers with recent history of lactation was carried. It
involved 403 mothers attending the well Baby Clinic of the University
of Benin Teaching Hospital in 2009. A semi structured questionnaire
was used in obtaining relevant information on pre-lacteal feeding.
Results: The prevalence of prelacteal feeding was 11.7%. Water
only constituted the most common (44.3%) pre-lacteal feed. Other
feeds administered included glucose drink, (37.2%), and honey (4.6%).
The reasons for pre-lacteal feeding included perceived delayed lactation
and the need to keep the body warm and mouth moist. The younger the respondents, the more likely she would practice pre-lacteal feeding (X2 = 11.4; p = 0.022). Also significantly associated with pre-lacteal feeding is the route of delivery. Pre-lacteal feeding was commoner with surgical deliveries (X2 = 7.0; p = 0.05). Pre-lacteal feeding was however un-associated with respondents’ tribe, educational status, religion and place of delivery. Pre-lacteal feeding remains a challenge to adequate infant nutrition.
Conclusion/Recommendations: There is need for further enlightenment
on the dangers inherent in the practice. Education of the populace
would need to be improved upon if the initial gains accruing from
BFHI are not to be reversed.

Key words: Pre-lacteal feeding Infant, Nutrition, Benin City.