Early Initiation of Breast Feeding But Not Bottle Feeding Increase Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice Among Less Than Six Months Infant in Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding is a intervention to reduce neonatal and infant mortality. However,the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia remains low. The aim of the study was identify the association of early initiation and bottle-feeding with exclusive breastfeeding practice among infant less than six month in Indonesia. Methods: This study was a part of Basic Health Research (RISKESDAS) 2013 data. The sub-sample study was infants under six months. Out of 7226 infant aged less than 6 months, 6397 infant had complete data for the analysis. The Cox regression was used for analysis. Results: Out of 6397 infant, 44% had exclusively breastfeed. Early initiation, bottle-feeding, postnatal care, residence and socio-economic status were associated to exclusive breastfeeding practices. Infant who had early initiation had 66% more exclusively breastfeed compared to delayed initiation [adjusted relative risk (RRa) = 1.66; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45 – 1.90]. Infant who had bottle-feeding or using pacifiers had 71% less to be exclusively breastfed compared to infant who did not have use bottle-feeding/ pacifiers (RRa = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.25 – 0.34). Conclusion: Early initiation within one hour of birth increased exclusive breastfeeding practice, however, bottle-feeding decreased exclusive breastfeeding practice. (Health Science Journal of Indonesia 2016;7:44-8