Infant feeding practices in India.

Abstract

The results of a cross-sectional study of infant feeding practices in a metropolitan city, suburban area, large town, and small town in each of 3 regions of India (Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras) suggest that breast-feeding remains the preferred form. At the age of 12 months, 70-90% of infants surveyed were still receiving breast milk. On the other hand, only 35-66% of mothers exclusively breastfed, even up to 4 months, and the practice of discarding colostrum and not putting the infant to the breast for the 1st 24 hours after birth persists. Although use of commercial milk and cereal was higher in the urban samples, 20-30% of rural infants were receiving these products, generally as supplements to breast milk. The incidence of gastrointestinal disorders was significantly higher among infants who were receiving commercial products, reflecting their preparation with polluted water. Among infants under 6 months of age, 1-15% suffered from Grade III malnutrition. However, 60-70% had body weights comparable to standards in Western countries as a result of the beneficial effects of breastfeeding. The survey further identified significant regional differences in infant growth status and morbidity. In general, Bombay had the healthiest trends and Calcutta had the least healthy trends, with Madras occupying an intermediate position. On the basis of these findings, the sponsors of the survey, the Nutrition Foundation of India, recommend 1) promotion of exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age, at which point supplements such as fresh milk and local foods can be introduced; 2) improvements in environmental sanitation and hygiene; 3) education of mothers regarding infant care during infection; and 4) regulation of infant formulas. It is also proposed that maternal nutritional status be improved through food subsidies and that working mothers be provided with facilities for breastfeeding their infants.