Abstract

 

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of receiving antenatal care and breastfeeding practice and some factors associated with the initiation of breastfeeding among women gave birth at Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic at Turgut Özal Medical Center in Malatya.

Methods: One hundred two women were interwieved who gave birth during September 2004- January 2005 after delivery. They were questioned about sociodemographic characteristics, the birth order of child and the number of antenal care, fertility characteristics and breastfeeding practice. Adequate antenatal care was accepted if a woman received five or more antenatal care sessions.

Results: Average age for mothers was 28.7 years. Of mothers, 48 % received five or more antenatal care sessions. Receiving adequate antenatal care was more commen among women at ages 20-34 comparing to other age groups (% 56.4). Receiving adequate antenatal care was 60 % among first children, 16.7 % among children of birth order four or more (p