Assessment of nutrition knowledge during lactation among postpartum women

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is the most appropriate form of nutrition for newborns and infants. During lactation, milk production is an important function of a new mother’s body. The lack of a healthy, balanced diet carries a high risk of macro- and micronutrient deficiencies in postpartum women. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to explore the nutrition knowledge of postpartum mothers during lactation, based on current guidelines. Material and methods: The study involved 103 postpartum mothers who stayed in the maternity and neonatal ward in a secondary care hospital from April 2019 to January 2020. The diagnostic survey method was used as the research tool, which included an original questionnaire. Participation in the study was voluntary and anonymous. Results were analyzed using Microsoft Excel descriptive statistics. The analysis of Spearman’s R correlation between the variables was performed in the Statistica 13.1 program. Statistical significance was taken at p < 0.05. Results: The average score among respondents was 4.82/10 points. Most study participants (77%, n = 79) considered breastfeeding women to have greater energy and nutritional requirements. More than half of the study participants (59%, n = 61) declared that some food products should be eliminated from the diet, namely strawberries, citrus fruit and chocolate. Conclusions: Women’s knowledge about nutrition during lactation is insufficient. There is a need to intensify education in this area by medical professionals including midwives.