title: Perceived barriers to the implementation of a baby friendly initiative in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To collect data about perceptions and attitudes regarding breastfeeding in the local community and is intended as the first phase prior to the implementation of the baby friendly initiative (BFI).
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was conducted at the International Medical Center, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between April 2011 and June 2011, using a structured and closed-ended questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and twenty women responded (100% response rate) in the study. The most commonly cited barriers to breastfeeding in approximately one-third of women included: lack of knowledge about breastfeeding, false impressions about inadequate quantities of breast milk produced by lactating women, and ease of use and liberal availability of formula within the community after birth. Surprisingly, more educated women and those with higher income prove to have less knowledge about breastfeeding. Women who had 2 or more previous pregnancies were less confident about their ability to produce enough milk for their babies. Thirty-four percent of the respondents reported more than one deterrent to breast feeding.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of the survey will serve as a guide to correct misconceptions about breastfeeding and effectively strategize the implementation of a local BFI tailored to the characteristics of our community.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Umm Al-Qura University,  PO Box 7607, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel. +966 561182222 . Fax. +966   (2) 25270000 Ext. 4110. E-mail: rafatmosali@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Rafat
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mosalli
authors.forename: Ayman A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Abd El-Azim
authors.forename: Mervat A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Qutub
authors.forename: Enas
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zagoot
authors.forename: Mohammed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Janish
authors.forename: Bosco A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Paes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001903:Bottle Feeding; D001942:Breast Feeding; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D041943:Infant Formula; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009035:Mothers; D010865:Pilot Projects; D049590:Postpartum Period; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult