An investigation into the reasons of terminating breastfeeding before the age of two

Abstract Background: Breastfeeding is proved to be both important and useful for children, mothers and community. Objective: To assess the breastfeeding problems and also mothers' expectations of their husbands, work places and health centers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out on 288 mothers with a two-year old child in 2004. The data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed by 2 test, statistically. Findings: Of a total of 288 mothers, 45.2% were illiterate or poorly literate and only 9% with education at university level. Most mothers (86.1%) were housewives and the rest with a job. Nearly half of the children were exclusively breastfed for six months and in total, 80% with breastfeeding duration of 22-23 months. There was a significant correlation between literacy and the duration of breastfeeding. A negative relationship was shown between breastfeeding duration and having a job. The important causes for terminating breastfeeding were mother’s belief towards the sufficiency of breastfeeding (18.9%), lack of milk in mother's breasts (18.9%), and Child’s avoidance (17%). Approximately, 30.3% of mothers were found with no support from their husbands. Full supports by health centers were given only to 39.7% of mothers whereas 57.1% received relative supports. There was a positive correlation between the degree of support and the duration of breastfeeding. Among the mothers, 43.6% expected cooperation from their husbands and 68.8% of mothers with a job, insisted on extension of pregnancy leave. Also, 18.2% of mothers expected more proper behavior from the health center personnel. Conclusion: Regarding the data found in present study, the most important causes of early breastfeeding termination were mother’s mentality, lack of milk, and child's avoidance. It seems that good consultation could provide mothers with increased self-reliance. Additionally, the extension of pregnancy leave and also educating fathers on the quality of support given to mothers are recommended.