title: Exploratory study: barriers for initiation and/or discontinuation of breastfeeding in mothers of children with Down syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the study is to identify the barriers associated with breastfeeding in mothers of Puerto Rican children with Down.
  
  
  METHODS
  A non-probabilistic sample (n = 26) of mothers was used in the study. The sample was obtained in an institution in Puerto Rico specializing in care of infants with Down Syndrome [IDS]. A self-administered questionnaire was used consisting of six sections. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of interviewed mothers (80.8%) had 70.0% or higher correct answers regarding the benefits of breastfeeding. 84.6% of the mothers who decided not to breastfeed or who discontinued breastfeeding reported as the main reason that the baby presented sucking problems and 50.0% of the participants were not allowed to have their baby with them during their stay in the hospital. 84.3% of the participants indicated having breastfed their IDS and 61.5% stated that they would not breastfeed in public places.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Active support, instruction, and collaboration among members of the health care team are essential for breastfeeding success.
authors.affiliation: Maternal & Child Health Program, School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico.
authors.forename: Evy
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Colón
authors.forename: René Rolando
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Dávila-Torres
authors.forename: Ana M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Parrilla-Rodríguez
authors.forename: Angel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Toledo
authors.forename: José J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Gorrín-Peralta
authors.forename: Victor E
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Reyes-Ortiz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004314:Down Syndrome; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult