THE IMPACT OF THE HEALTHCOM MASS-MEDIA CAMPAIGN ON TIMELY INITIATION OF BREAST-FEEDING IN JORDAN

Initiation of breastfeeding within several hours after a child's birth increases the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding and longer duration of breastfeeding. However, common beliefs among mothers and health-care providers and routine hospital practices can constrain timely breast-feeding initiation. This article examines the impact of a mass media breastfeeding campaign in Jordan within the context of other activities occurring during and after the child's birth. The campaign had a positive impact on all mothers' knowledge, and on timely initiation of breast-feeding for home and public hospital deliveries, but not for those in private hospitals. The findings indicate that a communication campaign can bring about change in breastfeeding initiation behavior, but that providing mothers with information should be but one part of an integrated program to ensure that hospital and midwife policies and practices support timely initiation.