Examining Risk Factors that Inhibit Postpartum Breastfeeding for the Rural Population: An Integrated Review of Literature

Abstract Background: Breastmilk is a crucial food for children’s health and development, by providing all vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antibodies that children need to grow and thrive. Organizations worldwide recommend only giving an infant breast-milk for the first 6 months of life (no other food or water), and breastfeeding (BF) for two years or beyond. Many mothers do not breastfeed their infant despite the many benefits of breastmilk and recommendations. Determining risk factors for non-initiation and early cessation of breastfeeding will allow nurses to address concerns, improving breastfeeding outcomes. Objective: The purpose of an integrative literature review was to determine risk that lead to non-initiation and early cessation of breastfeeding, and recommend evidence-based nursing interventions that will increase the participation of exclusive breastfeeding. Method: An integrative literature review was conducted undergoing an extensive search to identify risk factors that affected breastfeeding practices. A total of 2 databases were used to acquire relevant sources: PubMed and CINHAL. Results: The most supported risk factors were found both in the prenatal phase and early postpartum phase that greatly impacted a mothers breastfeeding practices. The three main categories for risk factors were psychological factors, psychosocial factors, and socioeconomic disparity. Conclusions: This review found that a therapeutic relationship among nurses and mothers can help address risk factors that contribute to mothers that don’t breastfeed or wean their infant before six months of age. There are many reasons in which a mother may choose to formula feed versus breastfeed, it is important that nurses individualize care for each mother, understanding her holistically will help her in her decision. Keywords: Breastfeeding, attitude towards breastfeeding, breastfeeding complications, barriers towards breastfeeding, ineffective breastfeeding