Young Mothers, First Time Parenthood and Exclusive Breastfeeding in Kenya

Violet Naanyu

Abstract

Breastfeeding behaviour is explored in Kenya using data collected in the town of Eldoret, Kenya. This paper specifically examines duration of exclusive breastfeeding among young mothers below 20 years of age as compared to older cohorts. Additionally, focus is laid on the effect of first time motherhood and breastfeeding difficulties on exclusive breastfeeding. Results show that Eldoret mothers are aware of benefits of breastfeeding; nevertheless, the mean duration for exclusive breastfeeding in this sample is 2.4 months. Higher durations of exclusive breastfeeding are associated with increasing age and first time motherhood. Predictably, breastfeeding difficulties bear a negative association with exclusive breastfeeding. While HIV is transmissible through breastfeeding, breast milk remains a vital source of nourishment for infants in Sub-Saharan Africa. More research on mothering should examine the changing socio-economic milieu and its influence on women’s infant feeding decisions (Afr J Reprod Health 2008; 12[3]:125-138).

 

RĖSUMĖ           

Jeunes mères, maternité débutante et allaitement exclusif au Kenya  Le comportement d’allaitement est employé au Kenya en se servant de données assemblées dans la ville d’Eldoret, Kenya. Cette communication examine spécifiquement la durée d’allaitement exclusif parmi les jeunes mères au-dessous de 20 ans par rapport aux plus âgées. En outre, on a mis le point sur l’effet de la maternité débutante et les difficultés d’allaitement exclusif. Les résultats montrent que les mères à Eldoret ont conscience des bénéfices d’allaitement ; néanmoins, la durée moyenne pour l’allaitement exclusif dans cet échantillon est 24 mois. Les durées plus élevées d’allaitement exclusif sont associées avec l’augmentation de l’âge et la maternité débutante. D’une manière prévisible, les difficultés d’allaitement exercent une association négative sur l’allaitement exclusif. Bien que le VIH soit transmissible par l’allaitement, le lait maternel reste une source vitale nourrissante pour des petits enfants en Afrique subsaharienne. Plus de recherche sur la maternité doit examiner le milieu socioéconomique en mutation et son influence sur les décisions des femmes de l’allaitement infantile (Afr J Reprod Health 2008; 12[3]:125-138).

 

 

KEY WORDS:  Exclusive   breastfeeding,    Young    mothers,    First    time   parenthood,

Breastfeeding difficulties, Kenya  

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