Feeding practices during first 6 months of infancy - Observations from a community-based cross-sectional survey in Central Kerala, India

Abstract

Background: Even though Kerala shows good breastfeeding indicators, several unhealthy feeding practices are prevalent. Objectives: The onjectives of this study is to assess the feeding practices during 1st 6 months of infancy and influencing factors. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 308 mothers of 6–12-month-old infants in Central Kerala. Descriptive analysis was done and logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Only 43.5% of participants reported that they initiated breastfeeding within 1 h of delivery and it was significantly related to place (government/private hospital) and type (cesarean/normal) of delivery. Prelacteal feeding was given to 22.4% of infants, and it was significantly higher among mothers who belong to Muslim religion (OR = 5.43; 95% CI: 2.91–10.16) as compared to mothers from other religious groups (Hindu/Christian). The majority of mothers (83%) were aware of the recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding, but only 17.2% of mothers practiced it for 1st 6 months. Nearly 68% of mothers introduced cereals to their babies at the average age of 3.5 months. Advice from family members was the major reason reported for not following exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusions: There is a wide gap between awareness about the recommended duration of exclusive breastfeeding and actual breastfeeding practice. Breastfeeding initiation after delivery and prelacteal feeding practices should be monitored in all hospitals. Mothers and family members should be encouraged and motivated to provide exclusive breastfeeding to infants for 1st 6 months.