Table 3.

Barriers and facilitators for early initiation; feeding colostrum and not giving any prelacteal feeds

Barriers		Facilitators
Internal	External	Internal	External
Thinks that breast milk become available only after 2–3 days Mother didn’t know that breast milk should be given within 1 h Put baby to breast but there was no milk secretion	Mother was sick/unconscious took too long to bring the baby to mother after surgery Mother had difficulties to hold the baby to feed after surgery It took too long to clean the baby child was very sleepy child didn’t demand	If mother is well Mother knew about early initiation Previous experience Knew colostrum should be given Mother trained from NGO	Normal delivery Midwives assist to put baby on the breast Grandmother/other family member/ doctor/ midwives suggest to give breast milk as early as possible Heard this from health workers/TV/ text book
Thinks that honey (clear voice/prevent cold), mustard oil (to clear mouth and throat), sugar water (to clear cough) is required Did not know that other substance Should not be given no breastmilk before 3 days after delivery	Midwives suggested honey Grandmother gave what she feels better for the child Mother was sick/unconscious Doctor /nurse/midwives prescribed infant formula Grandmother gave sugar water as believed breast milk was insufficient Child was crying too much	Thinks only colostrum should be given up to 3 days after birth Knew that baby should not be given anything except breast milk	Doctor/ nurse/ midwives suggest not to give anything but breast milk Another wet nurse mother fed baby when mother was sick