Breastfeeding Practices of Refugee, Migrant and Asylum seekers Mothers in Portugal and Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aimed to analyze the perspectives of refugee and migrant mothers in Portugal about breastfeeding and compare their practices with globally available data and those of the native countries while considering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Methods A Sociodemographic questionnaire and a Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitude and Beliefs, and Behavior questionnaire were used to gather information regarding baseline breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and beliefs, and behaviour towards breastfeeding. Results Only 40% of the mothers received antenatal counselling regarding the benefits and management of breastfeeding. Of the 20 responses, 10 (50%) mothers were found to have fair breastfeeding knowledge, 16 (80%) had fair attitudes and beliefs, and 12 (60%) had fair breastfeeding practices. Correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between mothers’ breastfeeding attitudes (r = .531, p < 0.05) and their breastfeeding knowledge. There was no statistically significant correlation between the mothers’ breastfeeding attitudes, beliefs, and practices. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that healthy breastfeeding behaviours can be stimulated by receiving proper counselling from health professionals. Countries must focus on improving breastfeeding practices, as they still fail to do all they can to promote, protect, and support globally. Universal interventions are necessary to improve breastfeeding, regardless of migrant or refugee status.