Breastfeeding practices in children under 6 months of age: a community based study in urban field practice area of a medical college in central Gujarat, India

Abstract

Breastfeeding during early childhood is vital for survival, growth and development. It confers from physiological to psychological benefits to both child and mother. Breastfeeding also helps to protect children against a variety of acute and chronic disorders. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life with early initiation and continuation of breastfeeding for 2 years or more together with nutritionally-adequate, safe, age-appropriate complementary feeding starting at 6 months. 1 Breast feeding is a universal phenomenon in India, but breast feeding practices are far from optimal because they are influenced by socioeconomic factors, cultural background, psychological status, religious values, illiteracy, ignorance, lack of access to antenatal and ABSTRACT Background: Early and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is recognized as one of the most effective interventions for child survival particularly to address childhood morbidity and mortality. In spite of the countless benefits, the prevalence of EBF in India, according to the NFHS-3 (2005-2006), at 6 months was only 46.4%. Constraints to EBF are breastfeeding problems, delivery by caesarean section, perceived or real breast milk insufficiency, resumption of official work by the mother, and cultural practices. The objective of the study was to assess current breastfeeding practices of mothers having children less than 6 months of age and to assess the correct positioning, attachment and effective suckling as practiced by these mothers. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was done in urban field practice area of a medical college in Central Gujarat from August 2015 to September 2015. Thirty two mother-infant units were observed for baby"s position, attachment and effective suckling using standard IMNCI guideline. Data thus collected were analysed using Microsoft Excel. Results: Out of the criteria for correct attachment, only two children fulfilled all 4 criteria which were classified as having "good attachment". The assessment for proper positioning revealed that only around 13% infants fulfilled all 4 criteria for good positioning. Almost half of the infants were suckling effectively. Conclusions: Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that each mother should be observed for mother"s and infant"s positioning and attachment at the onset of breastfeeding and if needed given counselling on correct breastfeeding practices.

A study on breast feeding practices among mothers in urban field practice area of tertiary care center, Hyderabad

“…10 A study by Davara et al showing 13 mothers out of 32 were able to practice correct postion. 8 Exclusive breastfeeding practices upto 6 months followed by mothers in this study was 64%, which was more compared to the study by Velusamy et al reported in one tenth of mothers. 6 Study conducted in urban parts of India by Deshmukh et al, reported 25% Exclusive breastfeeding practices upto 6 months.…”

“…The practice was more compared to study by Davara et al (68.75%). 8 The study by Rahman et al showed that only 13% discarded the colostrum. 11 In this study, importance of positioning while breastfeeding was reported by 36% (28 literates+8 illiterates).…”

Breast Feeding Practices: Comparison Between Educated and Illiterate Mothers in Kathmandu, Nepal

“…According to Kimani-Murage, Madise, Fotso, Kyobutungi, Mutua, Gitau, & Yatich, (2011), the prevalence of infectious diseases which have a long term effect on the physical and mental development of the child. Research also indicates that premature mothers breastfeed less often than mature ones and they hold both positive and negative attitudes toward breastfeeding practices (Davara, Pandya, Chavda, Solanki, Mehta, & Shringarpure, 2019;Hossain, Islam, Kamarul, & Hossain, 2018).…”

Infant and Young Child Feeding Practice among Mothers in Rural Areas of Gazipur District, Bangladesh

“…1). were found in Indian studies, [14][15][16] but it was higher in another study done in Bangladesh. 17 It may be due to better presence of awareness among the mothers residing into that specific region.…”