Maternity ward staff perceptions of exclusive breastfeeding in Finnish maternity hospitals: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION This study aimed to describe exclusive breastfeeding (EBF, Step 6 of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative) in Finnish maternity hospitals and identify factors that promote or limit EBF. METHODS A cross-sectional study design was used, and data were collected from eight maternity hospitals in Finland during a 10-day period in May 2014. The staff completed questionnaires (n=1554) from separate work shifts. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and chi-squared and Fisher's tests. Responses to open-ended questions were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS Maternity ward staff reported that 72% (n=1105) of the infants were exclusively breastfed during their work shift. The strongest promoting factors of exclusive breastfeeding were: maternity ward staffs' profession and education in breastfeeding counselling; multiparity; vaginal delivery; early skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant; initial breastfeeding after birth; rooming-in; and initial success of breastfeeding. The use of a nipple shield, the need for additional breastfeeding counselling, and infants' blood tests were limiting factors to exclusive breastfeeding. Open-ended answers revealed that exclusive breastfeeding was mainly delayed because of medical issues for the mother or infant. CONCLUSIONS Finnish maternity hospitals could improve exclusive breastfeeding rates by focusing attention and resources on breastfeeding counselling and evidence-based maternity care practices related to immediate care after birth, promoting vaginal delivery, rooming-in and availability of skilled counselling.