Knowlege about breast feeding advantages among primiparas

UNLABELLED: Breastfeeding is the only way to nourish newborns and toddlers and it enables them to have an optimal health condition and growth. Both a child and a mother draw a lot of profits from breastfeeding. Woman's milk is perfectly balanced as far as quantity and quality is concerned. It has specific generic nourishment that ensures optimal psychological emotional and physical development of a child. Breastfeeding also protects infants from immunological problems and infections. Having the skills and knowledge about breastfeeding is the main factor that enables a smooth process of lactation. All the medical staff and midwives especially are obliged to promote breastfeeding and they should provide information as well as emotional and technical support for mums through the whole period of lactation. The aim of this thesis was to examine the level of knowledge about breastfeeding among first-time mothers. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The research was carried out from August till October 2011 in birthing rooms of Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic Hospital for Medical University by the name of K. Marcinkowskiego in Poznan and Obstetrician Wing in Provincial Complex Hospital in Leszno. 101 randomly chosen pregnant women in labor were questioned. An anonymous survey was used as an analytic tool. The survey was specifically created for this research and it contained 30 questions. Majority of responders (98%) declared a will for breastfeeding. Also majority of women (94%) knew that their milk contains all the needed ingredients for proper development of their young. According to the pregnant women in labor (98%) breastfeeding is a key element in establishing an emotional connection with the child. Most of the responders knew the influence of breastfeeding on child's health. Minority of the questioned women (14%) attended birthing courses. CONCLUSIONS: The responders were equipped in knowledge on various levels. It proves the necessity of sys- tematic and planned education for women. The system of lactation counseling should be an integral part of post-labor care in obstetrician clinics.