Intentions and barriers toward breastfeeding among Jordanian mothers-A cross sectional descriptive study using quantitative method.

PROBLEM/BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is very important for both mother and infant. Within Jordanian hospitals, intentions and barriers to breastfeeding have not been addressed effectively during preparing policies in routine antenatal care or in maternal and child health care.

AIM: To identify the intentions and barriers toward breastfeeding among Jordanian mothers with a specific focus on women from low income circumstances.

METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study using quantitative methods was adopted in this study. Data was collected via the Modified Infant Feeding Intention Scale (MIFIS).

FINDINGS: Women reported that for the most part their intention to feed their babies was using formula milk. However, they reported a desire to breastfeed but this intention could be hindered due to limited social support and challenges related to work arrangements. Further, participants also reported concerns regarding perceived pain that breastfeeding may cause and concerns regarding changes in their body shape and weight as a result of breastfeeding.

CONCLUSION: Views toward breastfeeding among Jordanian women are not homogeneous. Policymakers and nurse educators should be cognizant of findings from this study and use them as guidelines for decision making. Efforts to improve intention toward breastfeeding can be achieved through structured and targeted educational programs for women from low income circumstances, and by modifying policies concerning work conditions for mothers to enable them to breastfeed their babies.