title: Material awareness on natural feeding.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Natural breastfeeding is the only proper way to feed newborns and infants because it ensures their proper development. Breastfeeding enhances health and protects against the development of many diseases in childhood and adulthood. The primary benefits of breastfeeding include reduced incidences of infection in the respiratory system as well as a reduction in gastrointestinal and systemic infections. The benefits of breastfeeding also include decreased inflammation and improved immunity to disease in the infant. Further benefits of breastfeeding are reduced incidences of type 1 diabetes, Crohn's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to assess the degree of knowledge on maternal breastfeeding among current expecting mothers.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study comprtisded 147 mothers hospitalized in the Gynecology-Obstetrics Hospital University of Medical Sciences in Poznań, Poland, during late July - August 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For 139 (93.88%) of the surveyed women, breastfeeding was a priority regarding the health of the child. Respondents most often used professional literature in order to gain knowledge about breastfeeding (63.27%). The least popular way of acquiring knowledge was through the media (27.21%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Analysis of the collected material on the surveyed women showed that women have a diverse range of knowledge about breastfeeding. Currently, breastfeeding is required to be promoted and supported by midwives, paediatricians and other health professionals.
authors: Department of Mother's and Child's Health, University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
authors: Katarzyna
authors: K
authors: Plagens-Rotman
authors: Department of Neonatology, University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
authors: Sławomira
authors: S
authors: Kubiak
authors: Department of Mother's and Child's Health, University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
authors: Beata
authors: B
authors: Pięta
authors: Department of Mother's and Child's Health, University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
authors: Katarzyna
authors: K
authors: Wszołek
authors: Department of Practical Obstetric Skills Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Medical University, Lublin, Poland.
authors: Grażyna
authors: G
authors: Iwanowicz-Palus
authors: Department of Mother's and Child's Health, University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
authors: Tomasz
authors: T
authors: Opala
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007229:Infant Welfare; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007774:Lactation; D009035:Mothers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011044:Poland; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult