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Table 3 Barriers and facilitators for early initiation; feeding colostrum and not giving any prelacteal feeds

From: Uncovering the barriers to exclusive breastfeeding for mothers living in Dhaka’s slums: a mixed method study

Barriers

Facilitators

Internal

External

Internal

External

Thinks that breast milk become available only after 2–3 days

Mother didn’t know that breast milk should be given within 1 h

Put baby to breast but there was no milk secretion

Mother was sick/unconscious took too long to bring the baby to mother after surgery

Mother had difficulties to hold the baby to feed after surgery

It took too long to clean the baby

child was very sleepy

child didn’t demand

If mother is well

Mother knew about early initiation

Previous experience

Knew colostrum should be given

Mother trained from NGO

Normal delivery

Midwives assist to put baby on the breast

Grandmother/other family member/ doctor/ midwives suggest to give breast milk as early as possible

Heard this from health workers/TV/ text book

Thinks that honey (clear voice/prevent cold), mustard oil (to clear mouth and throat), sugar water (to clear cough) is required

Did not know that other substance Should not be given

no breastmilk before 3 days after delivery

Midwives suggested honey

Grandmother gave what she feels better for the child

Mother was sick/unconscious

Doctor /nurse/midwives prescribed infant formula

Grandmother gave sugar water as believed breast milk was insufficient

Child was crying too much

Thinks only colostrum should be given up to 3 days after birth

Knew that baby should not be given anything except breast milk

Doctor/ nurse/ midwives suggest not to give anything but breast milk

Another wet nurse mother fed baby when mother was sick