KNOWLEDGE OF AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS BREASTFEEDING OF MOTHERS IN A SELECTED WOMEN'S HOSPITAL IN DOHA, QATAR
According to medical study, breastfeeding is the very important benefit that an infant can get from her mother. Furthermore, continuous breastfeeding for six months of life is the best protection of the babies from various diseases like diarrhea, polio, skin diseases among others. Similarly, it strengthens the immune system and lungs of the babies; as well as it boost the mental ability of the babies. More than that, many mothers in Doha Qatar, do not know the benefits of breastfeeding their babies is the most effective way to protect them from ovarian cancer, breast cancer and osteoporosis. In the same way, it strengthens the relationship of the baby to his or her mother. In fact, this is the most economic way of feeding their babies economically, but nutritionally. As a result of the survey made in Qatar, 65 percent of mothers are breastfeeding their babies, while 35 percent do not practice breastfeeding. In addition to that, there are 53 % of mothers who are both aware of breastfeeding protection for them against any diseases. In view of this, it is obvious that mothers in Qatar are breastfeeding their babies just to follow traditions. But, they do not have complete knowledge about the great benefits of breastfeeding to them and to their babies’ health. Moreover, it is also revealed in this study that some mothers do not practice breastfeeding in some women hospitals in Doha, Qatar, because they are not aware and knowledgeable about tremendous advantages of breastfeeding.
(http://www.education.gov.qa/research/samples/breastfeeding.pdf)
Therefore, the first objective of this research is to determine if mothers in Doha, Qatar are knowledgeable and aware about the benefits of breastfeeding to their own health, as well as to their babies. Second, is to know the reasons why some mothers in Doha, Qatar do not practice breastfeeding with their newly born babies. Third, is to gather vital information about the attitude and perception of mothers towards breastfeeding in some women’s hospitals in Doha, Qatar. A related literature shows that in some women’s hospitals in the said country; breastfeeding has been associated with socioeconomic conditions among women in their society. Based on the survey made among 340 women in Qatar, it is revealed that only 32 percent of the mothers exclusively breast feed their babies since birth. This low rate of breastfeeding cases is attributed by the massive media advertisement by various formula companies, as well as the growing power of the Qataris. It is found out that 515 percent of the mothers used both breast milk and formula. However, 13 percent only used bottle feeding for their infants. More than that, 50 percent of below average income mother’s breast feed their babies in a full time basis. Nevertheless, only 12 percent from the higher income group breast feed their babies. While 55 percent of mothers who just acquired elementary education, breast feed their infants completely. On the other hand, only 25 percent of group of mothers who acquired secondary and college education breastfeed their babies. The descending rate of breastfeeding mothers in Doha, Qatar, which has been observed since 1980s; is being given serious attentions to some women’s
hospitals in the country. Most of the physicians are recommending the mothers to breastfeed their babies, especially while in the hospitals.
(http://www.education.gov.qa/research/samples/breastfeeding.pdf)
In any case, public health practitioners must do their best effort to disseminate information about the advantages of breastfeeding practice among mothers in the region. Mother’s milk is highly recommended by most doctors, and strongly supported by different health organizations together with various sectors of government because it provides complete nutrients to the infants. Similarly, offers tremendous advantages and benefits to the well being of both mother and child. Equally important, the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding until two years of age of the child. Continuous breastfeeding for the first six month of life of the babies is greatly crucial for fighting various diseases, until they are growing up. For the nutritional components of mother’s milk are multifunctional to human bodies. It has bacteriostatic and immune modulating properties for easy digestion; it is anti inflammatory, and very economical. Significantly important is the benefit of loosing weight for the breastfeeding mothers after giving birth.
(http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/01443618909151290?journalCode=jog)
As a result most mothers, who belong to rich families in the State of Qatar, do not breastfeed their babies. This is more impossible among highly educated mothers with high positions in different industries. Possibly because of the wrong information they have got about breastfeeding or they do not have proper educational system about the real benefits of breastfeeding to their children.
(http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/01443618909151290?journalCode=jog)
References:
(http://www.education.gov.qa/research/samples/breastfeeding.pdf)
(http://www.education.gov.qa/research/samples/breastfeeding.pdf)
(http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/01443618909151290?journalCode=jog)
(http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/01443618909151290?journalCode=jog)
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