Frequency and Determinants of Early Breastfeeding Initiation in Neonates: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan

Objective: This study aimed to determine the frequency of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and identify barriers to its initiation at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted at Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from April to Sept 2024, involving 249 postpartum women. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The study assessed various socio-demographic and clinical factors influencing breastfeeding initiation. Results: Only 13.25% of neonates were breastfed within the first hour of birth. Key barriers included maternal age (18-25 years), large family size (?6), illiteracy, premature or post-term delivery, cesarean section, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and insufficient breast milk production. Mothers aged 26-35 years and those with smaller families were more likely to initiate breastfeeding early. Conclusion: The low prevalence of early breastfeeding initiation highlights the need for targeted interventions, including the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) and increased maternal education on breastfeeding techniques. Addressing these barriers could significantly improve neonatal health outcomes in Pakistan.