Study of different feeding patterns among children of Maharashtra region

Abstract

Proper feeding practices during first two years of life are essential for the growth and development of young children to prevent malnutrition associated morbidity and mortality. The children aged between 6 months to 18 months were selected for study. The detailed history was obtained from their mother. The different feeding patterns prelacteal feeding, time of inception of first feeding, causes of stoppage of breast feeding studied and classified with percentage.In the study of inception of first feeding 35(46.6%) were < 6hrs, 21 (28%) were 7-12hrs, 10 (13.3%) were 12 to 24hrs, 7(9.33%) were between 25 -48hrs, 2(2.66%) were between 49 – 72 hours. In the study of pre lacteal feeding 16(21.3%) were given honey, 36(48%) sugar solution (water added sugar), 15(20%) plain water, 8(10.6%) milk. The reason for stoppage of breast feeding, 22(29.3%) due to insufficient breast milk, 16(21.3%) maternal sickness, 15(20%) infant sickness, 14(18.6%) maternal employment, 8(10.6%) subsequent pregnancy.: The present study will be helpful to paediatrician to evaluate the feeding pattern to prevent malnutrition, morbidity and mortality in children.