ABSTRACT

Namay, Carol V.; Navarro, Kristine M.; Orbillo, Mary Rose P.; Racho, Mary Rose R., "BREASTFEEDING COMPLIANCE OF LACTATING MOTHERS IN BARANGAY 13, ILAWOD WEST, LEGAZPI CITY", (Unpublished Undergraduate Thesis, Aquinas University of Legazpi, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, October 2011)

This study aimed to determine the breastfeeding compliance of lactating mothers in Barangay 13, Ilawod WestLegazpi City. Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions: 1) What is the demographic profile of the lactating mothers and Barangay Health Workers in terms of; a) age; b) educational attainment; c) family monthly income; d) years of service; and trainings attended of barangay health workers; 2) What is the knowledge of the lactating mothers and barangay health workers on a) breastfeeding; b) stoppage of breastfeeding; c) bottle feeding milk formula and mixed feeding; 3) What is the level of performance of the barangay health workers on breastfeeding promotion; 4) what factors affect breastfeeding compliance as perceived by the lactating mothers and barangay health workers; 5) What measures can be proposed to effectively promote breastfeeding compliance among lactating mothers.

This study used the descriptive type of research design. The data came from the lactating mothers with infants from the Barangay 13, Ilawod West, Legazpi City. Total enumeration was used in this study. All lactating mothers with infants that areresidents of and the Barangay Health Workers served as respondents of the study. The lactating mothers who are the residents of Barangay 13, Ilawod West, Legazpi City serve as the respondents of the study from whom the primary data for this study shall be obtained. Their demographics, perceptions, opinions; practices and evaluations are the main information that this study seeks to divulge for further analysis to create recommendations helpful to the lactating group and to various areas as well.

Based on the findings on the profile of the lactating mothers in terms of age, there were nine (9) or thirty percent (30.00%) of the respondents belonging to 22-25 years age group. Eight (8) or twenty-six point six percent (26.60%) of mothers were between 26-29 years old while 3or ten percent (10.00%) of mothers were between 38-41 years old and only one (1) or three point three percent (3.3%) was between 15-20 and 34-37.In terms of educational attainment, majority of the respondents were high school graduates (46.60%). Seven (7) or (23.30%) were college graduate. Six (6) or (20.00%) belonged to college level. There were also two (2) or (6.60%) who were high school graduates and one (1) or (3.30%) who was elementary graduate. As to occupation, majority of the mothers (43.30%) were plain housewives. Nine (9) or thirty (30.00%) were government employee. Both (13.30%) were private employee and self-employed. As to family monthly income, (6.60%) have a monthly income ranging from Php12,670 - 15,003 and Php110,336 - 12,669.There were also the same numbers of five (5) or (16.60%) with an income ranging from Php13,334 - 5,667, Php15,668 - 8,001 and Php18,002 - 10,335. But majority of them had only an income of Phpl, 000 - 3,333.

The findings revealed in terms of knowledge level of the lactating mothers on breastfeeding that majority of the lactating mothers knew that breastfeeding has the ability to form a strong bond between mother and baby (73.33%); that one can breastfeed exclusively until about six months, then continue breastfeeding for up to two years or longer while adding complementary foods (80.00%); that almost all women, regardless of breast size and even with inverted nipples can breastfeed (73.33%) and that it is often easy for women who breastfed to lose weight after giving birth since thpir bodies use so much energy to make milk (53.33%). Likewise, majority of them knew that women who breastfeed for six months can lose all of the weight gained during pregnancy (66.66%); that women who have had Caesarean sections can breastfeed comfortably by using different positions (76.66%); that most women with health problems can still breastfeed, except those tested positive for HIV (56.66%); and that breast milk has the right amount of nutrients for your baby until she is four to six-months old (60.00%). Majority of them also knew that breastfeeding reduces one's risk to breast cancer (63.33%); that breastfeeding is cheaper for families (73.33%); that breastfeeding is protective against allergic conditions, such as asthma and eczema (66.66%); and that breastfeeding enhances intelligence and mental development (63.33%).Also, half or 50% of the lactating mothers knew that their body will respond to the baby's sucking and they will produce enough milk and that breast milk is the natural milk that protects baby from illnesses. This means that most of the respondents were well-informed that breastfeeding has the ability to form a strong bond between mother and baby, breast milk is the natural milk that protects baby from illnesses and breastfeeding is cheaper for families. On the other hand, the data showed that majority of the lactating mothers did not know that breastfeeding will not ruin the shape of one's breasts (56.66%).

In terms on stoppage of breastfeeding, it showed that majority of the lactating mothers had knowledge that breastfeeding is stopped when some mothers have trouble getting the milk flow to start (80,00%); when breast milk alone could not satisfy the baby (83.33%); when the baby had trouble sucking or latching on properly (70.00%); when breastfeeding is too painful (66.66%) and too tiring (16.66%); when the mother's nipples have sores, cracked and bleeding (70.00%); when the mother's breast is infected or abscessed (66.66%); when mother wants to go on diet to lose weight (5333%); when the mother wants to smoke again or drink alcoholic beverages (56.66%); when the mother does not want to pump breast milk while at work (70.00%); when the mother does not want to feed the baby while at work (56.66%); and when the mother does not want to breastfed in public (56.66%). Also, majority of the lactating mothers knew that breastfeeding is stopped when they wish to get pregnant again (53.33%); when the baby exhibits physical signs that he is ready for weaning (66.66%); when they have to wean the baby from breastfeeding to milk formula in preparation for the day that they will go back to work (53.33%); when the baby is "too old" to be breastfed (66.66%) ; when they feel awkward while breastfeeding (70.00%); when they find hard to feed with inverted nipples (70.00%); and when they are under medical treatment (76.66%). Fifty percent(50%) of the lactating mothers knew that when the baby got sick, the baby could not be breastfeed; and that breastfeeding is stopped, when it is inconvenient for the mothers, when the mother wants to leave the baby for several hours and when the mother is too busy with household chores to do. However, majority of the lactating mothers did not know that breastfeeding is stopped when the baby starts biting the mother's nipples (70.00%)); when the baby starts teething (53.33%); and when the Doctor advised to stop breastfeeding due to baby's health problem (i.e. Breastfeeding Jaundice) (53.33%).

On Bottle feeding, majority of the lactating mothers knew that bottle feeding can be much more inconvenient (53.33%); more expensive (70.00%) than breastfeeding; that the nutritional contents of the milk formula depend on proper preparation (60.00%); and that once they have decided not to breastfeed their baby, it is difficult to reverse the decision and begin breastfeeding (53.33%). The data also showed that 50% of the lactating mothers knew that bottle feeding can be much more inconvenient than breastfeeding and that when making formula milk, it is possible to get the mixture wrong and make it too strong, too weak, or too hot. However, majority of the lactating mothers did not know that there are high chances that the baby may develop infections in bottle feeding (70.00%); that the bottle fed babies have an increased risk of obesity at least until six years of age (66.66%); and that some babies have difficulty tolerating certain nutrients on milk formula (56.66%).

On mixed feeding, majority of the lactating mothers knew that if they decide to combine bottle feeding with breastfeeding, they should not introduce bottle feeding during the first six weeks of life (66.66%). However, majority of them did not know that the difference between nipples can confuse the baby, causing feeding problems, and interfering with the establishment of breastfeeding (56.66%). The level of performance of the BHWs in the promotion of Breastfeeding Program has a weighted mean of 2.25 as perceived by the lactating mothers while the level of performance of the BHWs in the promotion of Breastfeeding Program as perceived by the BHWs themselves had a weighted mean of 2.10.

The lactating mothers identified the following as the top three factors that affect breastfeeding compliance: Lack of knowledge on the importance of breastfeeding (Rank 1); Too busy with household chores (Rank 2.5); and Lack of training on Breastfeeding Program (2.5).The BHWs identified the following as the factors that that affect breastfeeding compliance: Could not breastfeed while at work (Rank 1); Too busy with household chores (Rank 2), and Wants to maintain body figure (Rank 3).

In order to effectively promote breastfeeding compliance among lactating mothers, the following measures were proposed: 1.) Provide brochures to the lactating mothers and barangay health workers about breastfeeding; 2.) Barangay health workers should continue to encourage the mothers to breastfeed their babies; 3.) Barangay health workers should attend more trainings regarding breastfeeding promotion; 4.) Health officials should design targeted interventions to prolong breastfeeding by focusing in the issues that constitute the frequently cited reasons known by lactating mothers regarding stoppage of breastfeeding; 5.) Further studies should be conducted to provide substantial basis to improve the breastfeeding compliance of lactating mothers and also the promotion of breastfeeding program by the barangay health workers.

The following are the conclusions derived from the findings of the study: Majority of the lactating mother swore of ages between 18 to-29 years, high school graduates, plain housewives, and belonging to families with monthly income of Phpl,000 - 3,333.Majority of the lactating mothers had knowledge about breastfeeding, stoppage of breastfeeding, bottle feeding and mixed feeding. The lactating mothers and the BHWs perceived that sometimes the BHWs performed their functions in the promotion of Breastfeeding Program. There were factors that affect breastfeeding compliance that were identified by both lactating mothers and Barangay Health Workers. There are measures that can be proposed to effectively promote breastfeeding compliance among lactating mothers.