Table 3 Barriers to early initiation of breastfeeding

Acceptability

Acceptability

 1. Traditional feeding practices

  1.1 breastfeeding according to time of birth

  1.2 bathing rituals

  1.3 prelacteal feeding and discarding colostrum

 2. Advice of priests

 3. Influence of mother in law

Availability

 1. Lack of knowledge and misperception

Availability

 1. Lack of support

 2. Milk insufficiency

Accessibility

 1. No or few antenatal appointments

 2. Home delivery

 3. Type of delivery assistance and practices

 4. No post-natal check-up

Accessibility

 1. Low socio economic status linked to lack of access to media: radio and newspaper

 2. Mother’s involvement in decision making