Breastfeeding practices in urban primi mothers in the field practice area of Department of Community Medicine-a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Breastfeeding is the unique source of nutrition which plays a significant role in the growth, development and survival of infants. Breastfeeding is promoted internationally as the preferred method to feed infants up to 6 months and has continued up to 2 years with the addition of home-cooked foods.

Objectives: To assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of lactating mothers regarding breast feeding. To correlate the exclusive feeding practices with maternal employment and gender of the child.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the urban field practice area of UHTC, Dholabhata, Ajmer. Out of 8 Anganwadi centers 4 were randomly selected. 219 lactating mothers have been recorded at some Anganwadi sites. Subsequent to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 200 samples were collected for the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for this study.

Important findings: Out of 200 lactating mothers, 74.6% had a knowledge of the benefits of breastfeeding that the child remains healthy. 71.5% agreed that it fosters a close bond between the mother and child. 56.7% of mothers breastfed to six months.

Conclusion: Both governmental and non-governmental organizations are already involved in promoting breastfeeding. But more promotional activities should be done just not for health workers in the ante- natal and post-natal/child unit but also other staff should be encouraged to participate in such programs.