Abstract:

Aim: The proper quantity and quality of breast-milk availability markedly influenced by the number of breastfeeding (BF) sessions per day. Consistent professional support that is information based may be crucial in improving the frequency of effective BF. Thus, we aimed to provide information on factors predicting maternal BF frequency (BFF). Materials and Methods: A total of 861 participants were selected by using a cluster sampling method and a community based cross-sectional study design. An Online Data Collection Kit (ODK) technique was applied to collect the face-to-face interviewer administered survey from lactating women. Advanced analyses were carried out. The directly downloaded data from Google Cloud imported to Stata 14. Negative Binomial Regression was employed to model the frequency of BF and its predictors. Results: Around 77% of mothers breastfed their infants at least 9 times per day, of which 15% of the mother’s breastfed more than 12 times per day. The incidence of frequent BF increased among mothers who had postnatal follow-up [Adjusted Incidence Rate Ratio (AIRR): 1.07; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.13], who strongly perceived the adequacy of their breast milk production (AIRR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.04-1.44) and who had preterm births (AIRR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.02-1.13). Furthermore, a one-centimetre increase in Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) of the mothers was associated with an increased frequency of BF (AIRR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.02-1.03). Conclusion: The ratio of lactating mothers who breastfeed their infants was found to be lower than the Ethiopia Infant and Young Child Feeding Practice guideline. The incidence rate ratio of frequent BF was directly associated with antenatal MUAC, postnatal follow-up, preterm birth, and maternal perception about breast milk production. Though BFF is one of the components of appropriate BF, this issue has received little attention in Ethiopia. Thus, frontline health professional and concerned bodies should give attention to the encouragement of the frequency of BF by giving attention to its identified predictors.

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