Initiation of Breastfeeding Among Mothers Delivering at a Tertiary Hospital in Lahore: A Cross-Sectional Study: Initiation of Breast Feeding

Asma Ali; Rozina Shahadat Khan; Nimra Mahmood; Fatima Saleemi; Aleesha Shahzad; Bushra Jamil

doi:10.29054/apmc/2026.1918

Authors

Asma Ali Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Ameer-ud-Din Medical College / Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore Pakistan
Rozina Shahadat Khan Professor & Head, Department of Community Medicine, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore Pakistan
Nimra Mahmood House Officer, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore Pakistan
Fatima Saleemi House Officer, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore Pakistan
Aleesha Shahzad House Officer, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore Pakistan
Bushra Jamil Senior Demonstrator, Department of Community Medicine, Ameer-ud-Din Medical College / Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2026.1918

Keywords:

Breast feeding, Infant, Newborn, Postpartum period, Mothers, Hospitals, Tertiary care, Pakistan, Cross-sectional studies

Abstract

Background: The health of the newborn relies heavily on breastfeeding. Timely initiation of breastfeeding in the initial hours of birth is a predictor of continued breastfeeding. Objective: This study aimed at estimating the proportion of women who practiced timely initiation of breastfeeding at a government hospital in Lahore. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Settings: Maternity ward of Lahore General Hospital, Lahore Pakistan. Duration: Six months from 1^st Jan 2024 to 30^th June 2024. Methods: Among 133 postnatal mothers, selected through convenience sampling; taking total population as the average number of females delivering in a month at the hospital. Timely initiation within the first hour of birth was seen with the absence of formula feeding or use of any other source of oral nutrition for the newborn. Results: The average age of the participants was 26.2±4.5 years, and the average number of previous children was 2 with a range of 0-6. Out of a total of 133 mothers, 39 i.e. 29.3% (95% CI: 22.3% – 37.6%) practiced timely initiation. There was a significant association between mode of delivery and breastfeeding practices (p=<0.01). Conclusion: Most mothers did not practice timely initiation of breastfeeding. Mode of delivery was significantly associated with breastfeeding practices. Strengthening counselling and support in obstetric wards is recommended.

Initiation of Breastfeeding Among Mothers Delivering at a Tertiary Hospital in Lahore: A Cross-Sectional Study