Title:
Early Initiation of Breastfeeding in the Reference Health Center: Maternal Practices and Knowledge in Bamako, Mali

Authors:
Inhissa Ben BENGALY, Issa Souleymane GOÏTA, Maimouna TRAORE, Aboubakary KONATE, Famouke CAMARA, Bakary Sayon KEITA, Aminata FAMANTA, Fatoumata DICKO TOURE, Mali

Abstract:

Summary:

Introduction: Early breastfeeding, defined as the initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth, is an essential intervention for neonatal survival.

The objective and purpose of this study was to evaluate the early initiation of breastfeeding of newborns in the gynecology-obstetrics department of the reference health center of commune VI of the district of Bamako.

Materials and methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1 to November 30, 2022 , at the Reference Health Center ( CSRef ) of Commune VI. It included 300 hospitalized postpartum mothers who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through direct interviews using a structured questionnaire and then analyzed with Epi Info 3.5.32011. Adherence to ethical principles, including informed consent and participant anonymity, was guaranteed.

Results: The majority of mothers (54%) were between 20 and 29 years old, and 88.45% were married. The study showed that 89.44% of mothers gave breast milk as their first food, while 10.56% used alternatives (date juice: 46.89%, honey: 40.63%). Midwives were the primary source of information (36.3%). Although 97.65% of mothers were aware of the benefits of early breastfeeding, only 34.56% knew the recommended duration (less than one hour).

Conclusion: Early breastfeeding is widely practiced in Commune VI, however knowledge about the optimal timing and exclusion of alternatives remains insufficient.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/ijmshr.2026.10503