A study on breast feeding practices among mothers in urban field practice area of tertiary care center, Hyderabad

ABSTRACT

Background: Breastfeeding is the best preventive intervention and has potential impact on child mortality. Breast-milk is safest, least allergic and has nutritional, immunological, behavioural and economic benefits. It also provides desirable mother baby bonding. Early human milk promotes gut maturation and immune activation in infants. Despite of the demonstrated benefit of breastfeeding, the duration and prevalence are still low in first six months of life. The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practices among study population; to assess awareness regarding colostrum; to assess the socio demographic profile among mothers of 0-2 years children.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in the urban field practice area of tertiary health care center, Hyderabad. 100 mothers having children between 0-2 years age group were included by using simple random technique. Predesigned questionnaire was used to collect data.Results: Mean age group (yrs) of the mothers was 25.6±3.81, literate mothers are 81%, illiterates are 19% and employed mothers were 68%. Awareness regarding exclusive breastfeeding was more among literates than illiterates (p<0.05). Literacy status had no association regarding knowledge on colostrum among study subject. Pre lacteal feeds were practiced among 32% of mothers before initiation of breast feeding. The practice of prelacteal feeds were more in primi than multi para mothers (p<0.05). Practice of burping after the breastfeeding were followed by 71%. Mothers practicing correct positioning during breastfeeding were 63%.Conclusions: Among study subject 75% of them were given colostrum. Exclusive breastfeeding upto 0-6 months was practiced by 64% of mothers.