[Knowledge and attitudes on breastfeeding among parturients].
During human history, the natural process of breastfeeding has become ever less present as a mode of infant feeding. Numerous incentives have been introduced worldwide to stop this unfavorable trend.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to find the basic attitudes and knowledge about breastfeeding among mothers after delivery while they were at maternity wards.


METHODS
Two surveys were conducted, with 940 participants in 1989-1990, and 626 participants in 1997. The women answered a self administered questionnaire with multiple choice questions. Data from the 1989-1990 and 1997 surveys were analyzed and compared.


CONCLUSIONS
A high percentage of women (98%), stated that they wanted to breastfeed their children, but only about 44% of them expected it to be problem-free. A great number of women did not know how and when to estimate milk secretion, or its adequacy for the baby. A significant proportion of the mothers believe that milk of some women is "watery" and thus inappropriate for their children. A great number of mothers (83%), answered correctly that the child need to be fed on demand rather than according to a strict schedule. In the second phase of the survey some positive changes in their knowledge were found, however, yet quite inadequate.


CONCLUSIONS
Comprehensive and continuing education about breastfeeding of future mothers and fathers and the society as a whole is required.
Mujkić
Aida
A
Skola narodnog zdravlja Andrija Stampar, Medicinski fakultet Sveucilista u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska. Aida.Mujkic@snz.hr
Vuletić
Gorka
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy