Breastfeeding Practices Of Mothers Research Articles

A Comparative Study of the Breast Feeding Practice of Mothers between Rural Area and Urban Area in Bangladesh

The exclusive breast feeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months of life and the later age breastfeeding provides complete nutrition for infants and children. But it is not properly maintained in Bangladesh with limited resources, such as Sirajganj, where poverty and illiteracy are prevalent. Poor nutritional status during childhood can have long-lasting consequences in adulthood, including health, mortality, and human capital. It was a community based cross sectional comparative study which was conducted on 500 hundred mothers and their 500 hundred children in which 250 mothers and 250 children from each of Sirajganj and Dhaka City were selected. The target respondents were selecting randomly. χ 2 test, and Pearson’s correlation was performed as P<0.05 level of significance. The study found that there was a higher number of female children and higher birth frequencies in Sirajganj and Dhaka City. The study assessed mothers' breast feeding practices, including knowledge of colostrums, first baby food feeding, initiation, and duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Sirajganj city mothers received more breastfeeding attention than Dhaka City mothers, with findings decreasing with child's birth order. Breast feeding privileges in Sirajganj City increase as mothers' education levels rise from low school to a bachelor's degree or higher. Breast-feeding prevalence in infants up to 12 months is influenced by factors like sex, maternal age, birth order, education, employment status, and mother's poverty income ratio. The sickness of children is also influence to stop breast-feeding. The child birth weight was found to comparatively lower in the Sirajganj city than Dhaka City.

Effects of Housing Insecurity on Breastfeeding: A Scoping Review

Objective:Breastfeeding is essential to save the lives of young children; however, housing insecurity has been connected to a lower likelihood of commencing or continuing to breastfeed because of the numerous barriers it creates for breastfeeding mothers. Housing insecurity and household conditions are one of the social determinants that influence the initiation, duration, and exclusivity of breastfeeding. To analyze the housing-related vulnerability of breastfeeding mothers, this review examines the impact of housing and living conditions on the breastfeeding practices of mothers and presents housing-related factors that negatively affect the maternal decision to breastfeed.Methods:This scoping review was undertaken using four major databases, including JSTOR, EBSCO, PubMed, and OVID Medline. Evidence-based articles were searched without placing any restrictions on the year of publication or geographic location. A total of 18 articles published until 2022 were included in the scoping review.Results:This review suggests that multiple factors associated with housing impacts the maternal intent and duration of breastfeeding. The housing factors that directly and indirectly affect breastfeeding practices include the type of housing, stress related to housing, housing conditions, unfair allocation of housing, social support in households and neighborhoods, safe space to breastfeed, and homelessness after the catastrophe.Conclusions:Demographic characteristics of breastfeeding mothers must be examined, and mothers facing housing insecurity must be offered need-based support, guidance, and breastfeeding counseling. Creating and improving screening techniques that recognize the complexity of housing instability is necessary, particularly for communities most at risk for nonexclusive breastfeeding. The systemic barriers to breastfeeding related to housing can be reduced by collaborating with patient partners, communities, interdisciplinary healthcare providers, policymakers, and government and nongovernmental organizations.

BREASTFEEDING KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES IN MOTHERS OF INFANT OF 0–12 MONTHS OF AGE

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate current status of knowledge, attitude, and breastfeeding practices in mothers of infant of 0–12 months of age. Methods: After ethical approval, this questionnaire-based observational study was carried out for a period of 1.5 year in Department of Paediatrics, SMS Medical College and Attached Hospitals, Jaipur. All mothers of the infant of age 0–12 months brought to department were included in the study. Twenty-five questions related to knowledge, attitude, and practices were used to get data in a questionnaire. Results: Out of total 500 study participants, maximum 156 (31.2%) were in age group of 26–30 years. Mean score of knowledge and attitude was 11.55±4.17. In the present study, no significant difference was found between different age group, religion, age of the children, and mode of delivery for knowledge and attitude score. (p>0.05) Significantly higher knowledge and attitude score was found among urban participants, who lived in joint family, having higher education, more antenatal visits, and whose delivery took place in private hospital (p˂0.05). Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude, and practices for breast feeding were found significantly more in mothers of urban residence, of higher education level, having good occupation, live in joint family, and went for more antenatal visits and who went for delivery at private hospital.

Does early separation of the neonate impact the knowledge, attitudes and feeding practices of their mothers? - A cross sectional study in a rural teaching hospital in Telangana

: Promotion of knowledge on breast feeding improves the attitude and breast feeding practices of mothers. Studies regarding knowledge, attitude and practices of breastfeeding among Indian mothers are limited, with no studies among mothers of neonates admitted to NICU. Hence this study was planned.1): To assess the difference in knowledge, attitude and practices regarding breast feeding between mothers whose neonates were admitted in NICU ≤24 hours of birth, and whose neonates were admitted ≥96 hours of birth. 2): To assess gap in knowledge to feeding practices among both groups.: A Cross Sectional KAP (Knowledge, Attitude and Practice) study.: 440 postnatal mothers of neonates admitted to NICU between 1June 2019 to 31 December 2020 were included. Based on age at admission of their neonates to NICU, mothers were divided into 2 groups. 1group comprised of 205 mothers of neonates admitted to NICU ≤24 hours of life and 2group comprised of 235 mothers of neonates admitted ≥96 hours of life. Data was collected from mothers on KAP of breast feeding by interview, on a pretested questionnaire by the primary researcher.: The group 2 mothers whose neonates were admitted at ≥96 hours of life demonstrated better KAP which was statistically significant. There was no significant difference noted in implementation of knowledge to practices among all 440 mothers. Out of 440 mothers, only 17% had knowledge to initiate breast feeds within 1hour after birth & 15% fed the babies within 1hour after birth. 88% of mothers had knowledge that colostrum should be fed & 82 % practiced it; 80% knew that pre-lacteals should be avoided & 87% practiced it; 68% were aware of burping the baby; 91% practiced burping before putting the baby down. Early separation of neonates from mothers impacts the knowledge, attitude and practices towards breastfeeding. Poor attendance at the antenatal counselling clinic is also a contributing factor.

World Health Organization’s recommendation on breastfeeding: Knowledge and practices of nursing mothers in Enugu, Nigeria

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has made recommendations for breastfeeding. These recommendations are to promote proper breastfeeding practices, which are essential for improved child health and survival. Objectives: The study intended to determine the level of awareness of WHO breastfeeding recommendations among nursing mothers in Enugu and how awareness translates into practice. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was used to assess the awareness of WHO recommendations on breastfeeding and breastfeeding practices of mothers in Enugu, Nigeria. Results: Most (254; 64.1%) mothers have not heard about the WHO recommendation on breastfeeding; majority (81.1%) were aware of exclusive breastfeeding. Antenatal clinics are the commonest source of information on breastfeeding. Only 2.5% mothers intend to breastfeed for the duration recommended. Awareness of WHO recommendations was not associated with decision to breastfeed or frequency of breastfeeding. Younger mothers were less likely to be aware of the recommendation (P = 0.007, OR = 0.559, 95% CI = 0.366–0.851), while antenatal care attendance was associated with increased awareness (P = 0.002, OR = 10.389, 95% CI = 2.439–44.262). Maternal education affected breastfeeding frequency only. Conclusion: Significant gaps exist in awareness of the WHO recommendations on breastfeeding among mothers in Enugu, Nigeria.

Breastfeeding and weaning practices among mothers in Ghana: A population-based cross-sectional study.

BackgroundChildren need good nutrition to develop proper immune mechanisms and psychosocial maturity, but malnutrition can affect their ability to realize this. Apart from the national demographic and health survey, which is carried out every 5 years, there have not been enough documented studies on child breastfeeding and weaning practices of caregivers in the Volta Region. We, therefore, examined child breastfeeding and weaning practices of mothers in the Volta Region of Ghana.MethodsA sub-national survey method was adopted and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 396 mothers and their children. Descriptive and inferential statistics comprising frequency, percentage, chi-square, and logistic regression were employed in analysing the data. We defined exclusive breastfeeding as given only breast milk to an infant from a mother or a wet nurse for six months of life except drops or syrups consisting of vitamins, minerals, supplements, or medicines on medical advice, and prolonged breastfeeding as breastfeeding up to 24 months of age.ResultsThe prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was 43.7%. Mothers constituting 61.1% started breastfeeding within an hour of giving birth. In addition to breast milk, 5.1% gave fluids to their children on the first day of birth. About 66.4% started complementary feeding at 6 months, 22.0% breastfed for 24 months or beyond, while 40.4% fed their children on-demand. Child’s age (AOR: 0.23, 95% CI:0.12–0.43, p<0.0001), prolonged breastfeeding (AOR: 0.41, 95%CI: 0.12–0.87, p = 0.001), mother’s religion (AOR: 3.92, 95%CI: 1.23–12.61, p = 0.021), feeding practices counselled on (AOR: 1.72, 95%CI: 1.96–3.09, p = 0.023), mother ever heard about EBF (AOR: 0.43, 95%CI: 1.45–2.41, p = 0.039), child being fed from the bottle with a nipple (AOR: 1.53, 95%CI: 1.94–2.48, p = 0.003), and age at which complementary feeding was started (AOR: 17.43, 95%CI: 3.47–87.55, p = 0.008) were statistically associated with EBF.ConclusionBreastfeeding education has been ongoing for decades, yet there are still gaps in the breastfeeding practices of mothers. To accelerate progress towards attainment of the sustainable development goal 3 of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages by the year 2030, we recommend innovative policies that include extensive public education to improve upon the breastfeeding and weaning practices of mothers.

One-week recall period gives a more accurate estimate of exclusive breastfeeding practice than 24-h recall among infants younger than six months of age

BackgroundThe World Health Organization recommends a 24-h recall period to estimate breastfeeding practice of mothers of infants aged younger than six-months. Though 24-h recall was preferred for its low recall bias and for practical reasons, it can overestimate exclusive breastfeeding practice (EBF). Validating this indicator will help account for the deviation from the true estimate. This prospective cohort study measured accuracy of the 24-h recall method and validates a week recall as an alternative approach for use in a small sample population.MethodThe study was conducted from March to April 2018 involving 408 mother-infant pairs living in Butajira Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (HDSS), Southern Ethiopia. Participants were prospectively followed for 14 consecutive days; where their breastfeeding practice in the past 24 h was measured daily. Exclusive breastfeeding prevalence estimate obtained using the 24-h recall method and recall periods spanning a varying number of days (short period recalls) was compared against the cumulative of the responses from a prospectively measured repeated 24-h recalls over the course of 14 days. McNemar statistics was used to assess statistical significance of the difference in the EBF prevalence estimates of the single 24-h recall and the reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values were calculated to determine the level of accuracy. Receiver Operating Characteristics curve was used to measure the difference in performance between the two methods.ResultThe highest prevalence (71.4%) of exclusive breastfeeding practice was estimated using the single 24-h recall method whereas the lowest breastfeeding practice (47.1%) was obtained from a cumulative of 14 repeated 24-h recalls. A week recall (a recall over 7 days’ period), resulted in the smallest discrepancy in estimate (7.1%) as compared to cumulative estimate of 14 repeated 24-h recalls. Comparing against our reference standard, a week recall had 96.7% sensitivity and 83.5% specificity in estimating exclusive breastfeeding practice.ConclusionsUsing single 24-h recall method overestimated exclusive breastfeeding prevalence. However, a week recall gave an estimate close to the estimate from the standard method. A week recall has a potential to balance the tradeoff between the accuracy of EBF estimates and the resource implication of using multiple prospective measurements that have a proven superior accuracy.

The link between knowledge of the maternal diet and breastfeeding practices in mothers and health workers in Poland

BackgroundThere are multiple misconceptions concerning the breastfeeding mother’s diet and its adverse impact on breast milk composition and the breastfed child’s health, which might lead to breastfeeding cessation. Although prophylactic maternal dietary restrictions are not recommended, mothers all over the world are often recommended to avoid certain foods, due to cultural beliefs, social pressure and even outdated or ambiguous medical recommendations. In Poland, there is no systematic approach to breastfeeding education in the form of nationwide educational programs for particular social groups. It was estimated that in 2017 only 3–4% of Polish infants were exclusively breastfed at 6 months of age. The aim of this study was to recognize the scale of common dietary misconceptions among lactating mothers in Poland and to compare knowledge and opinions between medical staff and mothers who have ever breastfed a child. In addition, the paper is an attempt to identify factors contributing to the still current practice of recommending prophylactic dietary restrictions to breastfeeding mothers by medical staff.MethodsThe study was conducted in Poland, in January – February 2019. The study used a diagnostic poll method and was conducted mainly in an electronic form. A total of 1159 completed questionnaires data were analyzed: 35.1% completed by medical staff and 64.9% by mothers in non-medical professions. Statistical calculations were conducted with Chi-square test, logistic regression and U Mann Whitney test (level of significance set at 0.05).ResultsThe respondents presented a good level of knowledge and predominantly assessed the questioned statements correctly. Duration of breastfeeding was found to be the main factor determining respondents’ knowledge (p < 0.05). Concerning medical staff, the parity (p < 0.001) and applying an elimination diet when themselves breastfeeding (p < 0.001) had a significant impact on recommendation of prophylactic dietetic restrictions to the lactating women.ConclusionsRegardless of a resonably good level of knowledge on maternal nutrition in the lactation period, both breastfeeding mothers and medical staff are still convinced of the beneficial effect of preventive dietary restrictions, which affects further lactational counselling and lactational performance.

Assessment of knowledge of healthcare workers in a service hospital regarding breastfeeding practices in mothers confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19

Introduction: Breastfeeding is nature’s way of nurturing newborn and infants. Doubts exist among healthcare workers (HCWs) about the advice regarding breastfeeding to mothers who test positive/suspected for COVID-19. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge among HCWs at a service hospital regarding breastfeeding among mothers suspected/confirmed for COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study. A total of 69 HCWs comprising female ward assistants, nursing assistants, nursing officers, and medical officers were included in the study. A predesigned questionnaire was used to obtain information after taking consent. Results: A total of 76.92% of female ward assistants, 57.14% of nursing assistants, 83.33% of nursing officers, and 75% of medical officers were aware that COVID-19 is not passed through breast milk. About 92.31% of female ward assistants, 71.43% nursing assistants, 80% nursing officers, and 58.33% medical officers knew that it is safe to give expressed breast milk from COVID-19 suspected/positive mothers. The hygiene recommendations for COVID-19 suspected/confirmed mother for breastfeeding were known to 92.31% of female ward assistants, 100% nursing assistants, 96.67% of nursing officers, and 100% of medical officers. Only 15.38% of female ward assistants, 35.71% nursing assistants, 50% of nursing officers, and 58.33% of medical officers knew not to give infant milk formula and recommended exclusive breastfeeding to a baby of COVID-19 suspected/confirmed mother. Conclusion: This study provides a foundation to focus on the promotion of optimal breastfeeding practices and creating awareness among HCWs about WHO guidance on breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effect of kangaroo mother care in terms of hospital stay among preterm infants in a tertiary health care center

Background: Hypothermia, infections and ineffective breastfeeding are some of the commonest cause of deaths among premature and low birth weight infants. Kangaroo mother care is a well-known intervention to address the issues related to preterm births, such as hypothermia, infection and prolonged hospitalisation.Methods: This study was carried out in a tertiary care centre in Bengaluru on all preterm neonates of birth weight less than 2500 grams with stable hemodynamic conditions over a period of 18 months. Gestational age assessed by the new Ballard's score, within 24 hours of life and anthropometry details of the neonate were recorded at 24 hours of life by the single observer. Kangaroo mother care was given for a minimum of one hour at a stretch per day and the effect on the preterm neonate in terms of hospital stay was assessed.Results: Kangaroo mother care has positive effects on the infants growth, neurodevelopmental outcome, reduction in the morbidities associated with preterm infants, and breastfeeding practices in mothers of preterm neonates.Conclusions: The study promotes awareness of KMC on preterm neonates considering all the benefits and positive effects of KMC on the infant as well as baby, and to the family and nation amongst the health care personnel as well as the society.

A comparison of exclusive breastfeeding in Belgian maternity facilities with and without Baby-friendly Hospital status.

A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out in Wallonia (the southern region of Belgium) in which a 20-question breastfeeding (BF) module was included in an immunization survey. The purpose of this paper is to compare exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) prevalences and BF practices for mothers giving birth in Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) and non-BFHI maternity facilities. A total of 557 mothers responded to BF questions when their child was 18-24months old; 26.7% of them delivered in a BFHI maternity facility. At discharge, a larger proportion of children were exclusively breastfed if they were born in a BFHI maternity facility (76.5% vs. 65.8%, p=.02). The median duration of EBF (15.0 vs. 12.9weeks, p=.3), and the proportion of children exclusively breastfed at 5months (16.8% vs 15.8%, p=1.0) were similar in both groups. Few mothers knew that EBF was recommended for the first 6months of life (28.6% in BFHI vs 23.1% in non-BFHI, p=.2). For most groups of the population examined, the rates of BF tended to be higher in BFHI facilities, but many differences were not significant. More specifically, BFHI seemed to boost BF practices among mothers more likely to breastfeed, but the Initiative did not seem to trigger enhanced BF practices in mothers traditionally less likely to breastfeed (except for indifferent/negative partner's attitude and mothers of Belgian origin). Influencing the BF practices of mothers less likely to breastfeed requires a special attention with complementary actions in maternity facilities as well as in community services.

Maternal Depression and Breastfeeding Practices in the Maldives.

To assess associations between maternal depression and breastfeeding practices in mothers in the Maldives. A prospective cohort study. The validated questionnaires contained information on demographics, breastfeeding initiation, breastfeeding duration, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess association between Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score and breastfeeding practices while adjusting for lifestyle determinants. Cox regression was done to measure the association between maternal depression and breastfeeding duration. Antenatal clinic at Indira Gandhi Memorial and ADK Hospitals in Male', Maldives. A total of 458 mothers from the antennal clinics were interviewed at 36 weeks of gestation and again at 1, 3, and 6 months after birth. Antenatal depression at 36 weeks of gestation was associated with late initiation of breastfeeding (adjusted odds ratio = 3.0, 95% confidence interval = 1.3-6.8). Postnatal depression was associated with shorter duration of exclusive, full, and any breastfeeding ( P < .001). Depression is negatively associated with breastfeeding practices. There is a need to manage antenatal postnatal depression in mothers in order to encourage them to initiate breastfeeding earlier and to breastfeed for longer.

Knowledge, Attitude and Breastfeeding practices of Mothers of Infants: An Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore

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A Study on Breast Feeding Practice of Mothers of Bangladesh: Perspective Dhaka City

Breastfeeding practices of mother are effective way for reducing infant morbidity and mortality. Improper breastfeeding along with inadequate complementary feeding are the main reasons for malnutrition among the children in Bangladesh. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess and find the breast feeding practice in selected areas of Dhaka city with respect to socio-economic and demographic condition. Here, 250 mothers and their 250 infants were considered to asses using a formative questionnaire. Within this sample size 129 (51.6%) were male infants and 121 (49.4%) were female infants respectively. This study found that the privilege of breast feeding practice progressively increases with the mother’s education that has been started from less than high school level (below 10 classes) to bachelor’s level or more than higher. In addition, this study found that about 84.8% lactating mothers have knowledge on what are colostrums. But surprisingly only 58% mothers gave colostrums to their infants. Furthermore, we found that the rate of exclusive breast feeding among three months and six months age infants were 51.2% and 27.2% respectively. Therefore, according to findings of this study it could be concluded that mothers in the Dhaka city should give more attention on breast feeding to her infants and subsequently prevent infant mortality and get a healthy child.

Malnutrition, Mortality and Breastfeeding Practices in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A Review of the Current Status

Background: Countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) are facing many challenges that hinder progress in reduction of mortality rates (MRs) and nutritional status of children under-five years of age (CU5). Hence there is a need to identify breastfeeding practices that can influence malnutrition and MRs in the region. Aim: To analyze regional data of malnutrition, mortality and breastfeeding practices in mothers and CU5 in the EMR countries. Methods: Data from regional surveys of WHO and UNICEF for nutritional status and MRs in the EMR countries were analyzed in total and by income group and correlated to breastfeeding practices including timely first suckle (TFS), exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), breastfeeding rates at 12 (BR12) and 24 months (BR24) and percent designated Baby-friendly hospitals (DBFH). MRs included neonatal mortality rates (NMR), infant mortality rates (IMR), under-five mortality rates (U5MR), maternal mortality ratio (MMR). Selected indicators for development included illiteracy rates and total fertility rates (TFR). Results: Practices of early initiation (TFS), EBF, and continuity of breastfeeding are low in the region. MRs correlated with percent DBFH, TFS, EBF. Also BF12 and BF24 months correlated with stunting, wasting in the CU5, U5MR and overweight and obesity in adults. MRs correlated highly with stunting and wasting and poorly with overweight or obesity in CU5. Other variables as illiteracy, TFR, obesity and overweight in adults correlated significantly with MRs and with breastfeeding duration. At country level the low trends of shortened breastfeeding duration were associated with the high MRs and malnutrition rates. Conclusion: Suboptimal early feeding practices, low EBF and declines in breastfeeding duration impact child growth and survival and are associated with high stunting, wasting, overweight and mortality in CU5. Indices of development as improving literacy, birth spacing and can also help improve survival of children and mothers in the region.

Influence of Community Based Counsellors and Factors Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices in Ile – Ife, Nigeria

In spite of breastfeeding being almost universal in Nigeria, exclusive breastfeeding rate is low. Poor practices remain a major cause of neonatal and infant mortality. Community Integrated Management of Childhood illness (CIMCI) is a programme that employs the use of community based counsellors to address these challenges. The study assessed the effect of community based counsellor on breastfeeding practices of mothers and factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding in Ile-Ife, South-west, Nigeria. A comparative cross sectional study was conducted in two Local Government Areas (LGA) of Osun State, Nigeria. The study enrolled 722 mothers of index under five children through a multi stage cluster sampling techniques. Data was collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Approximately 94% of children in the CIMCI implementing LGA were exclusively breastfed compared to 76.1% in the non-implementing LGA (p<0.001). Maternal age, maternal education level, family size, Initiation of breastfeeding within an hour of birth and residence in CIMCI-implementing LGA were significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding. It was concluded that community based counselling has a positive effect on breastfeeding practices. Community based ‘baby friendly’ breastfeeding initiative is suggested.

Breastfeeding Practices as Observed in Those Attending a Teaching Hospital for Perinatal Care

Introduction: The promotion and support of breastfeeding is a global priority with benefits for maternal and infant health, especially in low-income and middle-income countries where the relevance for child survival is undisputed. Timely initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for six months with continued breastfeeding till 2years and beyond are important aspects of breast feeding for child survival. The objective of the study was to describe the practice and perception of breast feeding amongst mothers at the post natal wards of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.Materials and Methods: This study was a questionnaire based cross sectional view of breastfeeding practices of mothers who received perinatal care at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi, South Eastern Nigeria.Results: 16.1% initiated breastfeeding within one hour, while others initiated later for reasons like poor lactation (19.6%); too tired (15.4%); felt dirty after delivery (5.3%) and caesarean section. Exclusive breastfeeding was not the intention of 30.8% for reasons like, too demanding(15.4%); cannot satisfy baby (38.6%); spouse and relations would not accept (26.5%); Work/School schedule would not permit (13.6%). Mode of delivery and socioeconomic class were significantly associated with time of initiation. Neither maternal age nor parity significantly influenced the overall practice of breastfeeding.Conclusion: Few mothers practice correct breastfeeding in this tertiary health institution suggesting that more work to improve the knowledge and attitudes of mothers is required starting from the antenatal period.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.8788J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):90-95

Socio-Demographic Features and Breast Feeding Profile of Mothers Attending Teaching Hospital in Gujarat State, India

Objective: To relate the socio-demographic profile of mothers with their breast feeding practices. Design: Hospital based cross sectional study. Setting: Urban tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods: A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used. The information was collected by using interview technique. Study was carried out from June 2005 to October 2005 in a tertiary care hospital. In the hospital 991 women availed the services during study period and 600 (60.5%) of them were covered in this study. These women were interviewed after the delivery in the hospital during postnatal period. Details of their socio-demographic features and breast feeding profile were collected. Ethical concern: No ethical issues were involved. Data analysis: The data were analysed with the help of EpiInfo software (version. 3.2). Proportions & frequencies were calculated by doing bivariate analysis. Results: A total of 600 women were covered of those women 309 (51.5%) were young <25 years, 345 (57.5%) mothers were literate and 537 (89.5%) mothers gave colostrum to their babies. Prelacteal feed was given by 205 (34.2%) of mothers in the present study. Conclusion: The observations of the study will help in understanding the current breast feeding practices of mothers attending hospital

Breast feeding practices of mothers with children (aged 0-36 months) in a rural area of South Africa A qualitative approach

Hierdie studie was 'n verkennende ondersoek na die borsvoedingspraktyke van moeders / versorgers wat twee babaklinieke in die Moreteledistrik besoek. Beide kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetodologieë is toegepas. Individuele en fokusgroeponderhoude is vir data-insameling gebruik. 'n Geriefsteekproef (N = 174) moeders / versorgers is vir die onderhoude getrek. Ses ouderdomskategorieë is aan die hand van bekende dieetveranderingsfases gebruik. Die antropometriese resultate het op groeipatroonabnormaliteite gedui wat op 18 maande 'n piek bereik het (suboptimale groei) en weer teen 24 maande gestabiliseer het. Dieetinname het ‘n beperkte verskeidenheid getoon en was voldoende behalwe wat yster, kalsium, sink, niasien, vitamiene D en A betref. Borsvoeding was die keusevoeding, maar dit was moeilik om die borsvoedingspraktyke (voedingstye en -frekwensie, duur van voedings) akkuraat te bepaal. Vaste voedsel is vroeg reeds (voor 4-6 maande) (87%) in die dieet ingesluit weens die moeders se persepsie van 'n honger baba. Graan (48%) en water (16,7%) is eerste vir fisiologiese/gesondheidsredes bygevoeg. Borsvoeding is op 18-24 maande (83,3%) gestaak. Die meeste kinders (34,5%) het vanaf 7-12 maande 'n gemengde gesinsdieet ontvang. Die gevolgtrekking is dat moeders se kennis oor die voordele van borsvoeding, voedingspraktyke, en redes vir die insluiting van vaste voedsel ontoereikend is. Onderrig oor babavoeding / -voedingspraktyke (spesifiek borsvoeding en spening) word aanbeveel om chroniese wanvoeding en voedingsprobleme in hierdie gemeenskap te voorkom.

Evaluación del Impacto de la Implementación de la Iniciativa Hospital Amigable a los Bebés

Assessment of the Impact of Implementing the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative Objective: To evaluate the impact of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative on the breastfeeding practices of mothers from the urban area of Montes Claros, MG, Brazil. Methods: A comparative analysis was performed of two cross-sectional breastfeeding indicator studies with randomized samples of children under 2 years of age. One study was carried out before and the other after the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative had been implemented throughout all public pregnancy and childbirth care services in the city. Kaplan-Meyer survival curves were constructed for different breastfeeding patterns. Log rank testing was used to calculate the level of significance of differences between curves for before and after the Initiative. Results: The survival curves demonstrate that breastfeeding rates increased during the study period. The log rank test detected significance for increases in all patterns of breastfeeding (p < 0.000). Median overall breastfeeding duration increased from 8.9 to 11.6 months and median duration of exclusive breastfeeding rose from 27 days to 3.5 months. Conclusions: Implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in all public maternity units in Montes Claros significantly increased breastfeeding rates in the city. Since the ideal state of affairs has not yet been reached, further strategies must be implemented to promote and support breastfeeding practices. (Key words: Breastfeeding, healthcare project and program evaluation, human milk, breastmilk, health promotion).