Infant feeding practices in educated mothers from upper socio-economic status.

ABSTRACT

One hundred and twenty mothers from upper socio-economic status and education up to graduation level were assessed for infant feeding practices using a pre-tested questionnaire. Prelacteal feed of honey was administered by 51.7% and initiation of breast feeding delayed by more than 24 hours by 68.3% of mothers. Colostrum was discarded by 53% mothers; 83% introduced bottle feeding in the first month of life; and poor bottle hygiene was seen in 54% cases. Addition of semisolids was delayed by almost 50% of mothers, the reason given being fear of liver disorders. These observations highlight ignorance about basic infant feeding practices in the educated elite section of our country. Health education in schools, colleges, non formal gatherings and during the antenatal period are suggested as means to remove this ignorance.