The Analysis Of Neonatal Feeding Behavior And Associated Factors In The Urban Area Of Changchun

Objectives：This study investigated postnatal women and newborns within28days afterdelivery, in order to study the current situation of neonatal feeding, analyze the factorsassociated with feeding methods and then provide the basis for interventions.Methods：1. During the hospitalization period,357pairs of postnatal women and theirbabies were chosen randomly in Changchun Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospitalfrom June2013to September2013. Data, including demographics, medical history ofobstetrics and physical and chemical reports, was collected through checking medicalrecords in the maternity ward by investigators who received standard training.2.15-28days after birth, investigators interviewed postnatal mothers by questionnaire,including Edingburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) and self-designedquestionnaire of breast-feeding status. Eventually349valid questionnaires. Weanalyzed the factors associated with breast feeding: demographics, psychology,general perinatal conditions, etc. All data was analyzed by SPSS13.0with descriptiveanalysis, χ2test and logistic regression analysis.Results：1. Neonatal feeding situation: breastfeeding rate35.5%, mixed-feeding (mainlybreast with some formula)41.3%, mixed-feeding (mainly formula with some breast)13.2%, and artificial feeding10.0%.2. Factors associated with neonatal feeding:(1) General information of theinvestigated subjects includes demographics and obstetrical history. The methods ofneonatal feeding were not affected by postnatal mothers’ nationality, marital status,age, place of birth, education level, occupation, delivery method, and term delivery. However, these feeding methods were influenced by the lactating conditions ofpostnatal mothers. Generally, there was a higher rate of neonatal breastfeeding inthose postnatal mothers with enough lactation.(2) Data related to health status ofinvestigated subjects include hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy,gestational diabetes mellitus, anemia, breast problems, etc. Feeding methods were notaffected by these health factors.(3) Information on the lifestyles of investigatedsubjects includes diet for breastfeeding, sleeping habits, whether postnatal mothersand infants staying in the same room at night, being physically and emotionally tiredof taking care of the baby, being the baby’s main caregiver. Diet for breastfeeding andbeing physically and emotionally tired of taking care of the baby were found to beconnected with the method of neonatal feeding. Diet for breastfeeding contributed tobreastfeeding, and postnatal mothers with breastfeeding paid more attention to diet forbreastfeeding and they tended to be exhausted by looking after the baby.(4) Theeffects of postpartum depression on neonatal feeding: Postpartum depression groupwere found with higher breastfeeding rate than non postpartum depression group.Postpartum depression and breastfeeding affected each other.Conclusions：1. The low breastfeeding rate in Changchun has not reached the standardrequired by WHO and has a long way to go in order to hit the target of breastfeeding50%of the0-6months infants in the “Chinese Children’s Development Program(2010to2020)”2. The methods of neonatal feeding are affected by postnatal mothers’ lifestyles,health status, milk breasting and postpartum depression together. Thus, to increase theneonatal breastfeeding rate, we need to explore suitable, feasible and effectiveinterventions which could be carried out throughout pre-pregnancy, pregnancy,delivery, postpartum and lactation period.