JOURNAL OF LIAONING TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

BREASTFEEDING TECHNIQUES AND INFLUENCING FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PRACTICES, BARRIERS, AND DETERMINANTS

ADEGOKE, Rachael Adebisi, ANOKWURU, Rafiat Ajoke

Abstract

The study investigates breastfeeding practices, barriers, and determinants across different populations, with a focus on factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding rates, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and the impact of maternal and environmental circumstances. Data was collated from diverse studies across various regions, including Bangladesh, West Africa, Saudi Arabia, Romania, Poland, Canada, and South Africa, among others, to provide a comprehensive analysis. The research aims to identify key factors that promote or hinder breastfeeding, including socio-demographic characteristics, maternal ideation, health conditions, and workplace support. Findings reveal that breastfeeding practices vary significantly due to cultural, socio-economic, and policy differences across regions. High breastfeeding self-efficacy among mothers was associated with supportive family environments and adequate healthcare guidance, while barriers such as employment demands, inadequate health system support, and misconceptions about breastfeeding impacted exclusive breastfeeding rates. In high-risk pregnancies, breastfeeding duration was affected by medical complications, whereas mothers with chronic health conditions reported challenges in maintaining consistent breastfeeding. The review also highlights the role of urban agriculture, food security, and workplace policies in enabling breastfeeding in marginalized communities. The study emphasizes the need for targeted breastfeeding interventions, policy reforms, and education campaigns to address barriers and support mothers, particularly in underserved regions, to achieve optimal breastfeeding outcomes. Further research is recommended to explore breastfeeding practices in diverse cultural settings and the effects of nutritional status on breastfeeding sustainability.

Keywords: Breastfeeding Techniques. Pregnant women, Practices, Barriers, Determinants