Breast-feeding Practices among Primipara mothers at Selected Community, Chennai

Abstract

Introduction: Breast milk is the best and most comprehensive source of nutrients for babies. Poor baby feeding practices are the cause of 60% of infant and early child mortality worldwide. The growth and development of children may be negatively impacted by inappropriate newborn feeding practices, particularly in underdeveloped and developing nations. Hence the present study was undertaken to determine the Breast-feeding Practices among Primipara Mothers at Selected Community, Chennai. Methods: A descriptive correlational design was used. The study was carried out in a community area in Chennai. Using the purposive sampling technique, 100 primipara mothers with infants between the ages of 1-12 months who fulfil the inclusion criteria were selected after obtaining formal agreement from the relevant authorities of the selected community area and ethical clearance from the institutional ethical committee. The data was gathered through interview method using pre-tested instruments such as background variable proforma, obstetrical variable proforma, and proforma to evaluate primipara mothers' breastfeeding practices. Results: The study findings revealed that 73% of the primipara mothers had moderately adequate practice. None of them in the category of needs improvement. There was a significant association between selected obstetrical variables such as mode of delivery and practice on breast feeding in primipara mothers (p<0.05). Those who had normal vaginal delivery had good practice when compared to those who delivered through LSCS.