A study to evaluate breastfeeding practices among lactating mothers: a community based study in rural anganwadi centers in field practice area of government medical college, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

A study to evaluate breastfeeding practices among lactating mothers: a community based study in rural anganwadi centers in field practice area of government medical college, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India INTRODUCTIONUnder any circumstances, breast milk is the ideal food for the infant. No other food is required by the baby until 6 months after birth. Feeding the baby exclusively on breast milk, without any other source of nutrition for a period of 6 months is called exclusive breast feeding. 1 A child who is breast fed has greater chances of survival than a child artificially fed. The data suggests that infant mortality rates in developing countries are 5-10 times higher among children who have not been breast fed or have been breast fed for less than 6 months.2 Despite the ABSTRACT Background: Feeding the baby exclusively on breast milk, without any other source of nutrition for a period of 6 months is called exclusive breast feeding. A child who is breast fed has greater chances of survival than a child artificially fed. The data suggests that infant mortality rates in developing countries are 5-10 times higher among children who have not been breast fed or have been breast fed for less than 6 months. Despite the marked advantages of breast feeding, its popularity has declined significantly in many parts of the world including India. The main objectives were (1) to assess breastfeeding practices prevalent amongst lactating mothers; (2) to identify misconceptions regarding failure to adopt exclusive breast feeding and weaning; (3) To counsel and motivate mothers for exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: Mixed methods study (qualitative cum quantitative). 60 lactating mothers were interviewed and their knowledge and awareness on breast feeding was assessed through a pre-designed, semi-open questionnaire. Focused Group Discussions (FGD) were also conducted among Lactating Mothers, their Mothers or Mother in laws at Anganwadi centers of selected sites. Results: 63.34% mothers did colostrum feeding. Only 45% of them breastfed exclusively. 48.33% gave prelacteal feeds like honey and water. LSCS was major cause of delayed initiation of breastfeeding. Many agreed regarding non supportive attitude from family. Majority of mothers had poor knowledge regarding proper positioning and attachment while breastfeeding. Conclusions: Proper counseling and training of mothers must be done at the time of delivery by the doctors and the nursing staff regarding breastfeeding practices. Anganwadi workers must also actively counsel the mothers regarding exclusive breast feeding. Supporting women who are self-employed or who work in the informal economy is required.

Breastfeeding practices in urban primi mothers in the field practice area of Department of Community Medicine-a cross-sectional study

“…In this study 93.8% infants burped after feeds. Singh N et al 8 in their study found that 86.67% infants burped after feed which is similar to our study. Whereas study conducted by Benakappa et al 13 found that 58% infants burped after feed.…”

“…In this study 56.7% mothers practiced of exclusive breast feeding to their children while studies done by Arage Get al 6 , Mise PJ et al 4 , Kumar L et al 5 found exclusive breast feeding rate of 70.8%, 63.4% and 86.8% respectively.In this study working status of mother did not show statistically significant association with exclusive breast feeding. Similar finding is reported in study conducted by Singh N et al 8 .…”

Assessing the Infant Breastfeeding experience of Women in Cuddalore District of Tamilnadu, India

“…Further, three mothers (15%) experienced an inverted nipple, which is described as a reason by mothers for discontinuing breastfeeding. However, an inverted nipple can be treated with proper consultation with doctors (Singh et al, 2016).Out of 20 mothers, 11 (55%) of them experienced intermittent headache; 13 (65%) of them felt fatigued and 11 (55%) mothers experienced disturbed sleep due to frequent breastfeeding the baby during night time and had redness of the eyes. (Waldenstrom, 2004) stated that in general, lactating mothers breastfeed their children often every two hours in the daytime, which results in back pain and tiredness.…”