Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Mothers Towards Breastfeeding in a Central Indian Hospital

Abstract

BACKGROUNDThe aim of this study was to assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards breastfeeding among mothers. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis was a descriptive study conducted over a period of 2 years in maternity ward in a central Indian hospital. A total of 2000 mothers were interviewed. The data was collected using a predesigned questionnaire. All data collected was analysed. RESULTS75.21% booked and 67.93% unbooked cases had awareness of benefits of breastfeeding. More than 95% of mothers irrespective of educational status had knowledge of early initiation of breastfeeding but only 71.25% actually initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour. Colostrum was given by approximately 95% mothers and 14.75% gave prelacteal feeds. 96.3% mothers exclusively breastfed their babies till 4 months of age. Knowledge about weaning was fair. On demand breastfeeding was practised by 71.59% mothers. 68.35% opined that breastfeeding should be stopped during any maternal illness. 36.65% were aware of contraceptive benefit of lactation. 73.75% mothers had knowledge of requirement of extra calories during lactation while 80.15% said that burping should be done after each feed. CONCLUSIONThough mothers had good knowledge of breastfeeding, the gap between knowledge and practice needs to be addressed. Health professionals, more so doctors have a vital role to play in educating nursing mothers.