Breastfeeding myths — the prevalence among the population of Polish women
, 1, 2, 2, 2
Abstract
Objectives: Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until the child is six months of age. However, there are many myths about breastfeeding. The aim of our study was to assess the knowledge of Polish women about breastfeeding.
Material and methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among 1536 Polish women. A self-administered questionnaire was created using Google Forms survey management software and distributed online. The participants were asked about the most common myths in society regarding breastfeeding.
Results: The highest number of correct answers in all age groups were given to questions related to the nutritional value of breast milk (80.9–94.9%). The fewest correct answers in each age group were recorded to questions concerning the possibility of getting pregnant during the first 6 months of breastfeeding (16.1–35.3%), the safety of drinking non-alcoholic beer during lactation (24.4–37.1%), the benefits of brushing the breast while breastfeeding (16.0–37.1%), and the effectiveness of compresses made of cabbage leaves or sage infusions in relieving ailments during milk rush (6.8–12.4%). Higher education and being a mother were associated with a higher number of correct answers. Age below 25 years was associated with lower number of correct answers.
Conclusions: The results of the survey regarding breastfeeding suggest the existence of various beliefs in the population of Polish women which are not evidence based. This indicates the need for spreading adequate information about breastfeeding, especially among younger women and those who did not obtain higher education.
Keywords: breastfeedingbreast milklactationnutritional value
References
- Andreas NJ, Kampmann B, Mehring Le-Doare K. Human breast milk: a review on its composition and bioactivity. Early Hum Dev. 2015; 91(11): 629–635.
- Yi DY, Kim SuY. Human breast milk composition and function in human health: from nutritional components to microbiome and micrornas. Nutrients. 2021; 13(9): 3094.
- Palmeira P, Carneiro-Sampaio M. Immunology of breast milk. Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2016; 62(6): 584–593.
- Krol KM, Grossmann T. Psychological effects of breastfeeding on children and mothers. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz. 2018; 61(8): 977–985.
- Sattari M, Serwint JR, Levine DM. Maternal implications of breastfeeding: a review for the internist. Am J Med. 2019; 132(8): 912–920.
- Flores-Antón B, Temboury-Molina MC, Ares-Segura S, et al. Breastfeeding promotion plan in Madrid, Spain. J Hum Lact. 2012; 28(3): 363–369.
- Bettinelli ME, Chapin EM, Cattaneo A. Establishing the baby-friendly community initiative in Italy: development, strategy, and implementation. J Hum Lact. 2012; 28(3): 297–303.
- Feldman-Winter L, Procaccini D, Merewood A. A model infant feeding policy for baby-friendly designation in the USA. J Hum Lact. 2012; 28(3): 304–311.
- Akcja promocyjna Ministerstwa Zdrowia dotycząca karmienia piersią [Promotional campaign of the Ministry of Health concerning breastfeeding]. https://www.gov.pl/web/zdrowie/karmienie-piersia-akcja-promocyjna-ministerstwa-zdrowia (9.05.2023).
- Karcz K, Lehman I, Królak-Olejnik B. The link between knowledge of the maternal diet and breastfeeding practices in mothers and health workers in Poland. Int Breastfeed J. 2021; 16(1): 58.
- Marques ES, Cotta RM, Priore SE. [Myths and beliefs surrounding breastfeeding]. Cien Saude Colet. 2011; 16(5): 2461–2468.
- Rudzinski P, Lopuszynska I, Pieniak K, et al. Feeding practices, maternal and neonatal outcomes in vaginal birth after cesarean and elective repeat cesarean delivery. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022; 19(13): 7696.
- Zanardo V, Svegliado G, Cavallin F, et al. Elective cesarean delivery: does it have a negative effect on breastfeeding? Birth. 2010; 37(4): 275–279.
- Hobbs AJ, Mannion CA, McDonald SW, et al. The impact of caesarean section on breastfeeding initiation, duration and difficulties in the first four months postpartum. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2016; 16: 90.
- Beake S, Bick D, Narracott C, et al. Interventions for women who have a caesarean birth to increase uptake and duration of breastfeeding: A systematic review. Matern Child Nutr. 2017; 13(4): e12390.
- Cheng F, Dai S, Wang C, et al. Do breast implants influence breastfeeding? A meta-analysis of comparative studies. J Hum Lact. 2018; 34(3): 424–432.
- Schiff M, Algert CS, Ampt A, et al. The impact of cosmetic breast implants on breastfeeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Breastfeed J. 2014; 9: 17.
- Chen J, Zhu XiM, Huynh MNQ, et al. Breastfeeding outcome and complications in females with breast implants: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Aesthet Surg J. 2023; 43(7): 731–740.
- Tan ML, Abrams SA, Osborn DA. Vitamin D supplementation for term breastfed infants to prevent vitamin D deficiency and improve bone health. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020; 12(12): CD013046.
- Domenici R, Vierucci F. Exclusive breastfeeding and vitamin D supplementation: a positive synergistic effect on prevention of childhood infections? Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022; 19(5): 2973.
- De Ronne N, De Schepper J. Société flamande de Pédiatrie. [Recommendations for vitamin D supplementation in infants and young children]. J Pharm Belg. 2013(3): 12–21.
- Szajewska H, Socha P, Horvath A, et al. Nutrition of healthy term infants. Recommendations of the Polish Society for Paediatrics Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Standardy Medyczne/Pediatria. 2021; 18: 805–822.
- Heine RG. Food allergy prevention and treatment by targeted nutrition. Ann Nutr Metab. 2018; 72 Suppl 3: 33–45.
