Factors associated with prelacteal feeding in North Eastern Ethiopia: A community based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Prelacteal feeds are offered to nearly one child in every ten in the North Wello zone. Colostrum removal and lack of counseling on breastfeeding at antenatal care visit are important positive predictors of prelacteal feeding practice. Awareness of the risks associated with prelacteal feeding, promotion of counseling on breastfeeding and the health benefit of colostrum during antenatal care visits are recommended interventions to reduce prelacteal feeding practices in the study areas.