ABSTRACT
Background: Breast feeding and colostrum is the first birthright of every newborn. It is the least expensive, safe, healthiest, natural feed that can be given very easily to any newborn baby for proper physiological growth and psychological development. Exclusive Breast feeding is a term used to define the process by which only breast milk is given to the new born till the first six months of life. Early initiation of breast feeding is very important in reducing infant morbidity and mortality. Rate of exclusive breast feeding is only 35% world-wide and complementary feeding is not started timely. Objective: To know the current situation of exclusive breast feeding, problems encountered by lactating mothers, factors affecting exclusive breast feeding and complementary feeding. Material and Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 200 mothers having children less than 2 years of age attending pediatrics OPD, Gynecology & obstetrics OPD and postpartum ward of Mayo Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh. The information about subjects’ demography and practices towards breast feeding were collected from the mother on structured proforma. Result: 200 lactating mothers were included in the study. Majority of mothers are from age group 24-29 years ie 105 (52.5%).out of 200 babies 110 are female and 90 are male and 20 (10%) lactating mothers initiated breastfeeding within 1 hours of delivery. Majority of mothers 102 (51%) initiated breastfeeding within 1-6 hours and only 46.5% babies were exclusive breastfed upto 6 months. 89% of mothers given colostrum to their babies. 47% of mothers given pre-lacteals to babies and formula milk (23%) was the common pre-lacteals followed by cow’s milk (11%). Only 49.3% children were started complementary feeding between 6-9 months. 45% do not encountered any problem during breastfeeding. 55% were having some problem during feeding. 20% mothers were having feeling of insufficient milk secretion followed by 12.5% not knowing about time and frequency of feeding. Conclusion: There were many demographic, social-economic factors and literacy of mother affecting exclusive breastfeeding. Breast feeding is almost universal in India but the rate of early initiation of breast feeding and exclusive breastfeeding are very low. Several factors can be attributed on the breast feeding practices. Social awareness programs, benefits of breast feeding and mass education of family regarding feeding practices should be started to promote exclusive breast feeding and complementary feeding.
ABSTRACT
Background: Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. But globally only less than 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed. Adequate breastfeeding counselling and psychological support are essential for mothers and families to initiate and maintain optimal breastfeeding practices Objective: The study was done to know the prevalence of exclusively breast feeding, early initiation of breast feeding and practices of pre-lacteal feed in rural Uttar Pradesh and their relation with maternal age. Material and Methods: This observational analytic cross sectional study was conducted on 355 mothers of infants aged one and half to 12 months who came in OPD or Indoor of Department of Pediatrics UPRIMS and R, Saifai for immunization or some problem. A semi-structured, pre-tested Performa was used to interview the mothers. Results: Only 48.5 % of subjects were practising Exclusive breast feeding , inadequate milk secretion was major cause of non exclusive breast feeding Early initiation of breast feeding was done in 41.5% of mothers. Pre-lacteal feed was given in 46.8 % of responders. Relation of early initiation of feeding and use of pre-lacteal feed with age of mother was found significant. Conclusions: Despite of so many efforts by Government and NGOs, most of the mothers in Rural Uttar Pradesh are still unaware regarding healthy feeding practices. We need to improve our counselling and motivation regarding exclusive breast feeding.