Study of breast feeding practices, problems and factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding in Barabanki District of Uttar Pradesh - A Hospital Based Study

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.