• Vilas Pullanjiyotan
• Biji Abraham
• Gihan Mohamed
• Shamsa Ali Ahmed,Noura Ibrahim Ahmed
• Shikha Awad AlKetbi,Dr. Theodora Costi

Research Title- The effect of antenatal breast-feeding education on early breastfeeding Initiation and exclusive breast-feeding rates in Al Dhaid hospital Background The importance of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers is globally recognized [1]. Breastfeeding is a unique way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants [2]. Breastfeeding is known to have a beneficial effect in enhancing infants’ immunity, protecting against gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, reducing maternal haemorrhage, as well as the risk of breast and ovarian cancer [3–7]. Breastfeeding is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus type 2 [8] and obesity [9–13]. Breastfeeding is regarded as the simplest and least expensive strategy for reduction of infant mortality rates. Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as the act of feeding the infant only breast milk, with no supplemental liquids or solids except for liquid medicine or vitamin/mineral supplements. [14]. During the first 6 months of life, breast milk alone is the ideal nourishment for infants, (providing all the necessary nutrients, including vitamins and minerals [15]. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond [16] and it has been estimated that optimal breastfeeding of children younger than 2 years, could annually save the lives of over 800,000 children under 5 years of age [16]. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices among women regarding breastfeeding vary in different countries. In the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), a recent study involving 593 Emirati mothers showed that the feeding practices of infants and young children were suboptimal. Although almost all the mothers in the study had initiated breastfeeding (98%), only 25% of the infants had been exclusively breastfed since birth at 6 months of [17]. Providing adequate education regarding breastfeeding during pregnancy and throughout the breastfeeding experience, encouragement when challenges or problems arise, and appropriate management for feeding problems that need medical attention help increase breastfeeding rates. [18]. Antenatal education is an important factor in developing BF knowledge and fostering BF skills and confidence for initiating and maintaining BF until the sixth month [46] which effects the health of the baby. Mother’s knowledge and skills can increase the rate and duration of breastfeeding and are a relevant component of effective decisions and actions related to BF [46, 47]. This study aims to assess the effect of breastfeeding education on timely initiation and exclusive breastfeeding in our facility. Aim: The proposed aim of this study is to assess effect of antenatal breast-feeding education on early breastfeeding Initiation and exclusive breast-feeding compliance in Al Dhaid Hospital. Methodology: A cohort, quantitative study using a retrospective Medical Record Review and online survey study will be carried out through WhatsApp. The participants will include mothers who got antenatal breast-feeding education from Al Dhaid Hospital during the months of January 2021 to February 2022 with respect to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collection will be carried out using the Retrospective Electronic Medical record and by using an on-line survey administered by structured questionnaire to the mothers. Data extraction from Electronic Medical Record carried out by Researcher Nurses. The on-line structured questionnaire will be distributed by Research Team to the mother as per inclusion criteria. The survey includes mothers’ demographics, breastfeeding practices. Early breast-feeding initiation measured using retrospective data collected through medical file review and exclusive breast-feeding compliance will be assessed by the Mother reported on-line survey. The surveys distributed online between November 2022 to December 2022. Results: Results 110 mothers completed the study. Women receiving antenatal education were more likely to breast feed exclusively at six months (81.8%) postnatally. Conclusions The breastfeeding education intervention improved breastfeeding self-efficacy, infant feeding attitudes, and exclusive breastfeeding rates. The breastfeeding education program could be effective for sustaining breastfeeding in mothers.

Exclusive breastfeeding, Early initiation of breastfeeding, Antenatal Education, breast feeding education.

"THE EFFECT OF ANTENATAL BREAST-FEEDING EDUCATION ON EARLY BREASTFEEDING INITIATION AND EXCLUSIVE BREAST-FEEDING RATES IN AL DHAID HOSPITAL", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 11, page no.d649-d659, November-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2511371.pdf

"THE EFFECT OF ANTENATAL BREAST-FEEDING EDUCATION ON EARLY BREASTFEEDING INITIATION AND EXCLUSIVE BREAST-FEEDING RATES IN AL DHAID HOSPITAL", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 11, page no. ppd649-d659, November-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2511371.pdf