Evaluation of knowledge concerning nutrition of breastfeeding women during first days after labor

Abstract

Background. Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition of newborns and infants. Composition of human milk responds to the needs of the infant. The benefits are noticeable for a baby and its mother. The eating habits of mother are crucial. Proper fulfilment of energy requirements, reasonable proportion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, proper sources of these compounds, and a consumption of adequate liquids constitute important matters. Objectives. The evaluation of nutrition knowledge of breastfeeding women during first days after labor. Material and methods. The research was performed between July and September 2016. A self-constructed anonymous questionnaire assessing the nutrition knowledge among breastfeeding women was used. Results. Knowledge concerning recommended daily amount of meals, appropriate amount of liquids and inadvisable thermal processing was at good level. About half of the respondents realized how energy requirements increase during the first 6 months of lactation. Respondents correctly indicated the source of balanced proteins; however, knowledge concerning inadvisable kinds of fats and carbohydrates was at the average level. The vast majority of the interviewed women have chosen correct answers on the subjects of liquids recommended to quench thirst as well as consuming alcohol during lactation. However, acceptance of alcohol consumption was significantly more frequent in families with many children and living in rural areas. Knowledge concerning food allergy and its treatment was also at the good level. Respondents with secondary or high education, and university students have greater knowledge than women with primary or vocational education. The choice of vegetables in the diet was influenced by the age of the mother and her place of residence. Mothers who have given birth 3 or more times more often reported a desire to breastfeed for more than 6 months, while younger mothers and those living in the countryside indicated the impact of feeding on the health of the child in the future. Conclusions. Respondents’ nutrition knowledge was on a rather high level but it was primarly influenced by the mother’s education.