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Title Young mothers, first time parenthood and exclusive breastfeeding in Kenya
Full text http://ajol.info/index.php/ajrh/article/view/55639
Date 2010
Author(s) V Naanyu
Abstract Breastfeeding behaviour is explored in Kenya using data collected in the town of Eldoret, Kenya. This paper specifically examines duration of exclusive breastfeeding among young mothers below 20 years of age as compared to older cohorts. Additionally, focus is laid on theeffect of first time motherhood and breastfeeding difficulties on exclusive breastfeeding. Results show that Eldoret mothers are aware of benefits of breastfeeding; nevertheless, the mean duration for exclusive breastfeeding in this sample is 2.4 months. Higher durations of exclusive breastfeeding are associated with increasing age and first time motherhood. Predictably, breastfeeding difficulties bear a negative association with exclusive breastfeeding. While HIV is transmissible through breastfeeding, breast milk remains a vital source of nourishment for infants in Sub-Saharan Africa. More research on mothering should examine the changing socio-economic milieu and its influence on women's infant feeding decisions (Afr J Reprod Health 2008; 12[3]:125-138).
Subject(s) Exclusive breastfeeding, Young mothers, First time parenthood, Breastfeeding difficulties, Kenya
Language en
Publisher African Journal of Reproductive Health
Type of publication Peer-reviewed Article
Format application/pdf
Source African Journal of Reproductive Health; Vol 12, No 3 (2008)
Rights Copyright for articles published in this journal is retained by Women's Health and Action Research Centre
Repository Africa - African Journals OnLine (AJOL)
Added to C-A: 2010-08-26;09:03:12