Assessment of breastfeeding support practices in maternity wards in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life is internationally recognized as essential for the health of both the child and the mother. In the Republic of Moldova, as in other countries in the region, there are discrepancies between official recommendations and practices in the field, influenced by factors such as type of birth, medical support, and access to accurate information. The purpose of this study was to analyze mothers’ experiences regarding childbirth, infant feeding, and the support provided by medical staff in maternity wards. Methodology. The study was based on responses to an online questionnaire, which sought to collect opinions and experiences regarding the application of the principles of the „Baby-Friendly Hospital” Initiative, promoted by the World Health Organization and UNICEF. The tool assessed: the characteristics of childbirth, how the child was fed in the first 6 months, and the support and information received from medical staff regarding breastfeeding. The data were analyzed descriptively, using frequencies and proportions. Results . Analyzing infant feeding in the first 3 months, it was found that only two-thirds of infants (64.9%) were exclusively breastfed. A quarter of mothers (25.7%) combined breastfeeding with formula, and a smaller proportion (9.4%) fed their babies only formula. Between 3 and 6 months, the proportion of exclusive breastfeeding increased to 70.3% of cases, while 18.9% of mothers continued with formula only, and 10.8% maintained a combination of breastfeeding and formula. In terms of support in the maternity ward, 35.1% of mothers did not receive help with the correct positioning and attachment of the baby to the breast, 13.5% received the incorrect recommendation to breastfeed at fixed intervals (every 2-3 hours), 12.2% of mothers did not receive any advice on breastfeeding frequency, and 29.7% of mothers stated that they did not receive any information on the duration of a breastfeeding session. Conclusions. The study suggests the need to standardize breastfeeding recommendations to ensure consistent and evidence-based information, continuous training of medical staff in maternity wards, especially in practical techniques to support mothers, and the promotion of clear and uniform policies that could contribute to increasing the duration and quality of breastfeeding in the Republic of Moldova.