Abstract
Introduction: Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growthand development of infants. As per the national family health survey-3 (NFHS-3), only 46% of theIndian infants between 0 and 6 months are exclusively breastfed. Hence the following study wasdone to know the practice of breastfeeding in mothers of rural and urban areas of India. Materialsand Methods: The study was conducted in a rural and urban area, which is under theadministrative control of a tertiary care hospital. All lactating mothers having babies up to 1 yearwere included in the study. Results: The mean age was 26.73 years (SD = 2.53), and 40.4 % ofmothers were below 20-24 years of age. A large proportion (77.8%) were of the Hindu faith. Mostmothers had education beyond primary school. 35.1% of participants were mothers of 2 or morechildren. A large percentage (74.7%) of study participants were delivered in a hospital. Exclusivebreastfeeding was practiced by 73.1% of mothers. 78.3% of a mother gave first breast milk i.e.colostrum to their new-borns. Still, 46.3% of mothers feed their child with honey, Ghutti, plainwater, artificial milk, sugar water, etc., before starting breastfeeding. Conclusions: The counselingshould be continued after the delivery of the baby for continuous education to the mother about theproper care of newborn, initiation of breastfeeding, the information regarding the advantages andduration of breastfeeding, the importance of colostrum feeding, the timing of weaning needs to beprovided
Highlights
Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants
Exclusive breastfeeding was practiced by 73.1% of mothers. 78.3% of a mother gave first breast milk i.e. colostrum to their new-borns
Appropriate Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices are essential for optimal growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being in early vulnerable years of life
Summary
Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants. The following study was done to know the practice of breastfeeding in mothers of rural and urban areas of India. A large percentage (74.7%) of study participants were delivered in a hospital. Conclusions: The counseling should be continued after the delivery of the baby for continuous education to the mother about the proper care of newborn, initiation of breastfeeding, the information regarding the advantages and duration of breastfeeding, the importance of colostrum feeding, the timing of weaning needs to be provided. Appropriate Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices are essential for optimal growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being in early vulnerable years of life. The Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding describes the essential interventions to promote, protect, and support exclusive breastfeeding [1]. An analysis showed that appropriate breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices can alone prevent under-five deaths by 19% [3]
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