Knowledge & Practices of Breastfeeding in Working and Non-working Mothers

Abstract

Objective: To assess knowledge and practices of mothers towards breastfeeding and identify the association of socio demographic factors with knowledge and breastfeeding practices among mothers.Methodology: A descriptiove cross sectional study conducted in a tertiary level hospital in Lahore on 362 mother. Mothers having children of less than 5 years of age were recruited in this study. Data was collected by administring self structured questionnaire.Data analysis was done on SPSS version 21. Results: Demographic profile showed 75.5% of mothers were housewives and 24.3% working mothers; 42% were living in a nuclear family, 58% in an extended family. Knowledge level revealed that 36.5% knew breastfeeding (BF) should be done up to 2 years; 75.5% knew that it should be given on demand; 91% knew that colostrum should be given to the newborn. Practice level assessment showed 44.5% had initiated BF immediately after birth; 79.9% had given colostrum; and 34.9% had done BF > one year. Significant association <0.05 was found between socio-demographic factors (status of mother, type of family, total family income, mode of delivery) and knowledge and practice variable Conclusion: There is an important role of an extended family system that could act as a support pillar to enhance the practice of breastfeeding practices among mothers. Furthermore, at home mothers and lower socio-economic class also play an important role as contributing factors in the continuation of BF >6 months