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ISSN 2063-5346
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Challenges and Barriers of Breast Feeding; Review Article

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Rasha Mohammed Bahaa Eldin, Alaa Abdelrazek ElTaher, Eman Mohamed Abd el-Sattar
» doi: 10.53555/ecb/2023.12.Si12.299

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding education is critical in improving healthcare professionals’ competencies in providing breastfeeding care to mothers. Breastfeeding is associated with a decrease in a woman’s risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, diabetes mellitus, and hypertensive heart disease. Many women experience early and undesired weaning because of persistent pain or nipple injury . A focused history and physical examination are essential to help obstetrician–gynecologists and other obstetric care professionals distinguish the specific cause of their patients’ pain and determine appropriate treatment. Aim: the aim of this review was to give an overview of common challenges associated with breastfeeding. Summary: Studies have shown that pain with breastfeeding may be associated with postpartum depression; therefore, postpartum depression screening is an important part of the medical history when caring for these patients. Some women choose not to initiate breastfeeding, stop breastfeeding sooner than intended, or are unable to complete treatment with prescribed medications because they may have concerns regarding medication use during lactation. Health care professionals prescribing medications during lactation should base their counseling on accurate, current information from resources such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s Drugs and Lactation database (known as LactMed). Causes of early weaning also may be attributed to societal factors, such as limited access to paid maternity leave and barriers to breastfeeding in the workplace. Obstetrician–gynecologists and other obstetric care professionals are uniquely positioned to support women in these situations.

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