Exploratory Study: Knowledge about the Benefits of Breastfeeding and Barriers for Initiation in Mothers of Children with Spina Bifida

The aim of the study is to identify the level of knowledge on breastfeeding by mothers of infants with spina bifida and the barriers encountered in initiating breastfeeding. A non-probabilisitic sample (n = 30) of mothers was used in this study. The sample was obtained in two institutions specializing in care for infants with congenital anomalies in Puerto Rico. A self-administered questionnaire was used consisting of six sections. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Among participants, 56.7% had adequate knowledge on the benefits of breastfeeding. The most frequently encountered barriers in initiating breastfeeding were related to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Problems with the medical and nursing procedures, routines, support from personnel, and adequacy of the environment were the most frequent. It is important to develop a education to encourage nurses and other health care professionals need suggest, support and encourage breastfeeding to mothers of infants with neural tube defects.