Birthing support and breastfeeding initiation in Somaliland

Background: Research has identified a relationship between birthing practices and breastfeeding initiation. Continuous support during labour and delivery is a key component to increasing breastfeeding initiation. Objective: The purpose of this project was to assess the impact of labour support on breastfeeding initiation in a setting in which women receive traditional birthing support from female family members. Methods: Research was conducted at the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital in Hargeisa, Somaliland using the grounded theory method of qualitative research. The CDC EZ-Text, a software programme developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was used in managing and analyzing the data. Results: The results indicated that due to cultural influences, contradictory beliefs and practices, lack of critical thinking and lack of long-term planning, traditional birthing support was not always indicative of immediate breastfeeding initiation. Conclusions: The presence of a labour companion is a low-cost, preventative intervention that is consistent with the cultural practices of Somaliland. Breastfeeding education and support should, therefore, include a tertiary approach which involves pregnant and birthing women, labour support persons or family members and health care providers.