Abstract
ObjectiveBreastfeeding is known to be beneficial for the health of both the child and the mother. The primary aim of this study is to assess the effect of lactation on the development of gross motor milestones. The evaluation of breastfeeding practices and the frequency of lactation among mothers living in the urban city of Karachi, Pakistan, is the secondary aim of this study so that interventions can be made to improve breastfeeding practices.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using a well-designed questionnaire. A population of 360 mothers living in Karachi, Pakistan, with children aged between two and six years, was selected. The questionnaire included demographic data, the duration of breastfeeding, the age of milestone development, and the educational and financial status of the mothers. The relationship between the duration of breastfeeding and the development of gross motor milestones was analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test via Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. A p-value < 0.05 was rendered significant. Descriptive statistics were applied to calculate the frequency of the varying duration of breastfeeding among mothers with respect to their socioeconomic status and educational class.ResultsThe study revealed that 68.6% of children were breastfed for four months or more with supplementary feed or solids started at four months or later (prolonged exclusive). Along with this, 6.4% were breastfed only before two months (short duration), 5.6% had been breastfed beyond two months but ceased before four months (intermediate duration) while 14.7% were breastfed for four months or more with supplementary feed or solids started before four months (prolonged partial). Mothers belonging to low (67.7%), moderate (67.5%), and higher (72.2%) socioeconomic status (SES) preferred to breastfeed for a prolonged exclusive duration. With respect to education, uneducated mothers (72.6%), mothers with primary education (63.6%), secondary education (65.90%), and tertiary education (68.6%) also breastfed for a prolonged exclusive duration. No statistically significant correlation was found between gross motor milestone development and the duration of breastfeeding (p-value > 0.05).ConclusionBreastfeeding was found to have an insignificant impact on the development of gross motor milestones despite the fact that mothers, irrespective of educational background and socioeconomic status, were found to be breastfeeding for a prolonged exclusive duration.
Highlights
Mothers have been genetically imprinted with responsibility for their newborns, which starts with breastfeeding within a few hours of childbirth
6.4% were breastfed only before two months, 5.6% had been breastfed beyond two months but ceased before four months while 14.7% were breastfed for four months or more with supplementary feed or solids started before four months
No statistically significant correlation was found between gross motor milestone development and the duration of breastfeeding (p-value > 0.05)
Summary
Mothers have been genetically imprinted with responsibility for their newborns, which starts with breastfeeding within a few hours of childbirth. Breast milk contains the perfect amounts of calories and nutrients for the infant, especially during the first four to six months of life, providing the required velocity for growth [2]. It provides the right blend of benefits, encompassing the immunological, behavioral, and economic aspects while cementing mother-infant bonding [1]. Several studies concluded a positive association between lactation and the emotional well-being and social and behavioral growth of the child [6] It is considered a prime marker of strengthening the mother-child bond [6] and a strong factor that predicts benefits to the mother's health [7]
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