The World Health Organization recommends initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of delivery. Early initiation is beneficial for both the mother and baby. Previous Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Surveys (ZDHS) have shown a reduction in early initiation of breastfeeding from 68% (2005/06) to 58% (2015). This study sought to investigate factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding among women aged 15–49 years in Zimbabwe.
Early initiation of breastfeeding in Zimbabwe is mainly associated with residing in the rural areas and multiparity. The 78% rate of early initiation of breastfeeding was contrary to the 58% reported in the ZDHS findings. Interventions targeting an improvement in early initiation of breastfeeding must aim at women who deliver by cesarean section, women with babies of abnormal birth weight, primiparous women and women residing in rural areas.
Authors: Fadzai Mukora-Mutseyekwa, Hilary Gunguwo, Rugare Gilson Mandigo, Paddington Mundagowa
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