Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2018; 6(6): 120-126 http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/jgo doi: 10.11648/j.jgo.20180606.11 ISSN: 2376-7812 (Print); ISSN: 2376-7820(Online) Breastfeeding in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Yalgado Ouedraogo Teaching Hospital: Knowledge, Practices and Factors Affecting Early Initiation Yobi Alexis Sawadogo 1, 2 , Sibraogo Kiemtoré 1, 3 , Dantola Paul Kain 1, 3 , Issa Ouédraogo 1, 4 , Adama Ouattara 1, 2 , Hyacinthe Zamane 1, 3 , Ali Ouédraogo 1, 3 , Blandine Thieba 1, 3 1 Unity of Training and Research in Health Sciences (UFR/ SDS), University Ouaga I Professor Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso 2 Service of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Reproduction Medicine, Bogodogo Teaching Hospital, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yalgado OUEDRAOGO Teaching Hospital, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso 4 Service of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Regional Teaching Hospital of Ouahigouya, Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso Email address: To cite this article: Yobi Alexis Sawadogo, Sibraogo Kiemtoré, Dantola Paul Kain, Issa Ouédraogo, Adama Ouattara Hyacinthe Zamane, Ali Ouédraogo, Blandine Thieba. Breastfeeding in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Yalgado Ouedraogo Teaching Hospital: Knowledge, Practices and Factors Affecting Early Initiation. Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Vol. 6, No. 6, 2018, pp. 120-126. doi: 10.11648/j.jgo.20180606.11 Received: December 8, 2018; Accepted: December 26, 2018; Published: January 22, 2019 Abstract: Breastfeeding is a practice that has existed since the beginning of procreation. The rate of early initiation of breastfeeding at birth remains modest. The objective of this study was to assess women's knowledge of breastfeeding and to look for factors influencing the early initiation of breastfeeding. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Yalgado Ouedraogo teaching Hospital using a structured questionnaire to 320 women in the 1st week of postpartum period from June 1st, 2014 to September 15th 2014. Majority of women (83.8%) believe that exclusive breastfeeding is possible. Colostrum is a good food for 45.6% of mothers. Mothers who knew the ideal time of breastfeeding initiation accounted for 33.8%. More than half of the mothers (56.2%) did not know the benefits of breastfeeding. Only 25.7% started breastfeeding within one hour after delivery. Other substances were added very early to breastfeeding in 30% of cases. Educational level, marital status, delivery route, and knowledge of breastfeeding initiation time would influence the early initiation of breastfeeding. Although breastfeeding is a natural practice in many countries, its benefits are not well known by mothers. The promotion of breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding, must be based on strengthening the knowledge of new mothers. Keywords: Breastfeeding, Knowledge, Factors Associated, Early Initiation 1. Introduction The numerous benefits of breast feeding both for the baby and mother have been well researched and published in scientific literature [1-4]. Breastfeeding provides the child with the nutrients and antibodies needed for growth and protection against certain diseases, thereby reducing the infant mortality rate [5]. WHO, American Association of Pediatrics and UNICEF strongly recommend initiation of breastfeeding within one hour after delivery and exclusive breastfeeding until the age of 6 months and to continue breastfeeding for up to two years and more, by providing diversification [5-10]. The early initiation of breastfeeding is therefore crucial because it ensures the survival of the new-born given the richness of colostrum. Unfortunately, according to some habits and customs in developing countries, colostrum would not be good for child and it is best to give sweet or herbal tea instead of colostrum which is by far the best food for the baby in the first hours of life [11].