Perceived barriers of breastfeeding among Jordanian mothers

Background: to breastfeeding is a health behavior that is considered an ideal method of feeding and nurturing infants. however,there is a reduction in the rate of breastfeeding despite the multiple breastfeeding initiatives. purpose: the purpose of the study was to identify the perceived barriers of breastfeeding among jordanian mothers. methods: a cross sectional descriptive design was used. the study recruited a convenient sample of 500 jordanian mothers who gave birth to a healthy full-term infant,and who did not initiate breastfeeding post-delivery or discontinued the process before six months of infant's age. mothers of infants with serious illnesses were excluded from the study. the data were collected by a self reported measure,the breastfeeding perceived barrier scale. the measure consists of 22 items covering maternal factors,infant factors,and socio-environmental factors. the measure has internal consistency reliability (alpha coefficient = 0.73). results: the study participants reported total mean of breastfeeding barrier (84.0 ± 8.3) out of 110-as the total score of the barriers-the results indicated high level of breastfeeding barriers. also,the results showed high level of barriers in the maternal factor (3.6 ±.51),infant factor (4.0 ±.42),and socio-environment (4.0 ±.52). breast physical problems,mothers' lack of knowledge,infant refusal of breast milk,and working environment are the most perceived barriers. conclusions: the study revealed that jordanian mothers have relatively high level of breastfeeding perceived barriers. © 2015 dar publishers. the university of jordan. all rights reserved.