Influence of the type of birth and nutrition during lactation on the duration of the breastfeeding period in Poland
Wpływ rodzaju porodu i odżywiania w okresie laktacji na czas karmienia piersią w Polsce

Summary/Abstract: Introduction: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the best way to nourish a newborn is breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is especially important for infants during the first six months of their lives. The type of labor undoubtedly has an important influence on the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding. It is equally important that women follow the principles of efficient nutrition during lactation. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of demographic factors and knowledge of breastfeeding on the duration of the breastfeeding period in the Polish population. Material and methods: We used a diagnostic survey. 520 questionnaires were analyzed. Women completed an online survey via a direct link. Results: 286 women (55%) experienced a spontaneous delivery and 234 women (45%) delivered via caesarean section. The largest group of respondents, 36.7%, demonstrated an average level of knowledge of nutrition during lactation. The knowledge of participants regarding nutrition during lactation depended on their level of education and place of residence, but it did not depend on their age. The duration of the breastfeeding period did not depend on their education, place of residence or age. No significant differences concerning the number of births were detected in the duration of the breastfeeding period. There was also no significant correlation between the duration of the breastfeeding period and the level of women’s knowledge of nutrition during lactation. Conclusions: It seems very important that in the hospital environment there should be a place where women can obtain information about factors affecting the duration of the breastfeeding period.

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