Association of Breastfeeding Counselling with Infant Breastfeeding Practices among Lactating Mothers of Rural Area of Haryana: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is fundamental to the health and development of children and important for the health of their mothers. Correct information, timely initiation and duration of Breastfeeding, family support and weaning practices are important aspects. Health care professionals play a critical role in influencing decisions about feeding practices among mothers and families. Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in rural area of Haryana over a period of 12 months commencing from March 2019. Multistage sampling technique was used to enroll 200 infants aged 6-11 completed months and their mothers who were willing to participate in the study. Appropriate statistical tests were used in form of percentages, chi square and logistic regression. Result: Mothers receiving 3, 4 and > 4 antenatal check-ups were 1.6, 2.7 and 2.1 times more likely to get ANC counselling in comparison to women with single antenatal check-up done. Women’s literacy played a significant role in receiving antenatal counselling (p=0.035). Infant feeding practices like giving colostrum, starting feeding within 1 hour of delivery, burping after feed, exclusive breastfeeding for 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months etc were followed more among educated mothers and those given antenatal breastfeeding counselling but the association was statistically non-significant. Conclusion: This study concludes that antenatal breastfeeding counseling is very useful for exclusive Breastfeeding and for improving infant breastfeeding practices.