Women’s breastfeeding success is dependent on information received on the first days after delivery for continued breastfeeding success. Common barriers to breastfeeding includes perception of insufficient milk supply, painful nipples, and chest deformities affecting breastfeeding longevity. 

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Female support is frequently sought to reassure initiation intention while religious teachings from the Qur’an and Sunnah reflect duration practices of two years of breastfeeding. In the Muslim faith, women uphold the religious influences of the Qur’an and Sunnah, where belief of providing milk is a gift from God, and mothers may fear punishment if religious teachings aren’t upheld. Fear may also deter women from seeking assistance for common lactation ailments which leads to earlier cessation of breastfeeding. 

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Women learn traditional methods to address breastfeeding difficulties from other women suggesting female hierarchy. Traditional home remedy practices used to address common lactation ailments include expressed milk, lanolin, warm water, olive/almond/walnut oil, steeped quince seeds and nylon wrapping to their breasts.

 

Families, hospitals, and providers can help all women initiate and continue breastfeeding, thereby providing their infants with optimal nutrition while providing culturally appropriate care. Preserving modesty, privacy, and use of touch reduces embarrassment while breastfeeding in addition to establishing trust. Providers can utilize knowledge in cultural preferences to improve breastfeeding outcomes for the Arab community through integration of traditional practices.