Infant feeding practices in the rural population of north India

Abstract

Background:Breastfeeding is one of the most important determinants of child survival, birth spacing, and the prevention of childhood infections. The beneficial effects of breastfeeding depend on its initiation, duration, and the age at which the breastfed child is weaned. Breastfeeding practices vary among different regions and communities.Objectives:To assess the pattern of infant feeding and its relation to certain practices of maternity and newborn care, and to assess the knowledge of mothers on the advantages of exclusive breastfeeding.Materials and Methods:The cross-sectional study was carried out in randomly selected villages of the Bhojipura Block of Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh. A total of 123 women who had delivered within the last year were interviewed in a house-to-house survey. A study instrument was used to collect data. Chi- square test and regression analysis were used to analyze the data.Results:Most of the mothers were aged less than 30 years (78.04%) and were Hindus (73.9%). Most were illiterate (69.9%) and belonged to the lower socioeconomic class (97.5%). The majority were housewives (99.1%) and multiparous (68.2%). Most had initiated breastfeeding (78.8%) within 24 hours of delivery. About 15.4% of the infants did not receive colostrum and 22.8% of the infants were not exclusively breastfed. Ghutti (water mixed with honey and herbs), boiled water, tea, and animal milk were commonly used pre-lacteal feeds. About 47.2% of the respondents were not aware of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. About one quarter of the mothers started complementary feeding before the child was six months old. About half the deliveries had taken place at home and only a quarter of the females had had three or more antenatal visits during pregnancy. The birth weight of the majority (78%) of newborns was not measured. A majority (69.9%) of the mothers did not receive advice on child feeding. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that maternity and newborn care variables had no significant association with exclusive breastfeeding.Conclusions:Despite higher rates of early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding, awareness of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding was low. This indicates the need to promote awareness of the correct method of infant feeding and care of the newborn. Creating an awareness of the advantages of exclusive breastfeeding will further strengthen and support this common practice in rural communities and avoid an early introduction to complementary foods for sociocultural reasons.

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

“…In other studies by Mahmood et al 84.6% of the mothers fed colostrum. 17 However, we found in our study that still a larger percentage (33.34%) of women did not fed colostrum to their baby due to their perception that it is very heavy for baby to digest.…”

Infant and young child feeding practices amongst children referred to the paediatric outpatient department

“…Unfortunately, most of these studies have found that the mothers are not aware themselves, that prelacteal feeds could be a source of infection. 6 In our study too, the mothers agreed to give the prelacteal feed because of the prevailing social custom.…”

“…6 Also, it was observed that most of the mothers with higher education or from higher income group did not follow the proper breastfeeding practices. Families who can afford cow's milk or formula feed, often introduce bottle feeding before six months perceiving it to be better and healthier than breast milk.…”

Current practices on infant feeding in rural areas of Assam, India: a community based cross sectional study

“…14,15 But another study conducted in rural areas by Mahmood SE et al found that only 22% mothers initiated breast feeding within 1 hour. 16 In our study baby separation was found to be the commonest reason (45.05%) for delayed initiation of breastfeeding among the mothers. Wagh S et al observed that most common cause of delay in initiation in breast feeding were caesarean section and delivery complication.…”

“…Medhi GK et al also observed late introduction of complementary feeding among the infants in Assam. 16,19,28 Ulak M et al also reported that 79% infants were introduced to complementary food before six months of age and the main reason was assumed insufficient breast milk production. 29 Holambe VM et al observed in their study that late introduction of complementary food was associated with maternal age, education and parity.…”