Use of Prelacteal Feeds- Study in Tradition

Pirzada, Saima; Anwar, Zahid; Gul, Rafia; Iqbal, Nazia; Noor, Fatimah A.

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v71i5.5486

Cited by 2 publications

References 15 publications

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Beliefs, Experiences, and Practices of Lady Health Workers in Facilitating Breastfeeding in Rural Communities in Pakistan

Singletary,

Waqar Farooqi

2024

Qual Health Res

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Pakistan has extremely poor breastfeeding indicators: fewer than half of infants under 6 months are exclusively breastfed, only 20% of infants are breastfed within the first hour of life, and nearly half are never fed colostrum. The country’s high infant morbidity and mortality is in part due to this suboptimal infant feeding. A network of lady health workers (LHWs) employed by the government facilitate maternal and child health programs, including breastfeeding support in their communities. This study describes LHWs’ perspectives and experiences regarding breastfeeding. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 LHWs and used thematic qualitative analysis to code and analyze the data. Our research revealed that LHWs use their role as members of the community and involve influential members of the family to build trust. Frequent home visits beginning prenatally help them address misconceptions about infant feeding. While they have strong knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding and the importance of colostrum, they demonstrate gaps in their knowledge regarding breast conditions, the safe preparation of human milk substitutes, the physiology of milk production, and supporting mothers who are separated from their baby. Future training should address these areas where LHWs lack knowledge to help mothers facilitate early and exclusive breastfeeding. With adequate training, LHWs are uniquely positioned to use their role as trusted members of the community to effectively counsel families on the importance of breastfeeding and support the clinical needs of women during the perinatal time.

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Beliefs, Experiences, and Practices of Lady Health Workers in Facilitating Breastfeeding in Rural Communities in Pakistan

Singletary,

Waqar Farooqi

2024

Qual Health Res

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Infant Nutrition and Feeding in the First 2 Years of Life

Osei¹,

Anderson²

2024

Infant Nutrition and Feeding

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Infant feeding is the practice of feeding children who are below two years of age. The World Health Organization recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding and gradual introduction of complementary foods. Breastfeeding is beneficial for both the mother and the infant. Breast milk is safe, sterile, and contains antibodies that protect infants against many childhood illnesses. In the US, infants who are not breastfed have a 21% higher risk of post-neonatal infant mortality. It is recommended that mothers who cannot breastfeed exclusively feed their infants with breast milk for at least four months before introducing complementary foods. Infant formula cannot be an absolute substitute for human breast milk, and the use of infant formula must be the last option to feed infants if mothers cannot breastfeed. Although breast milk continues to be an important source of nutrition for growing infants, at six months and beyond breast milk becomes insufficient to provide all the nutrient needs of infants. Therefore, infants must be introduced to complementary foods in addition to breast milk. Complementary foods should provide sufficient energy, protein, essential fats, oils, and particularly, micronutrients to meet the nutritional needs of infants.

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Use of Prelacteal Feeds- Study in Tradition

Cited by 2 publications

References 15 publications

Beliefs, Experiences, and Practices of Lady Health Workers in Facilitating Breastfeeding in Rural Communities in Pakistan

Beliefs, Experiences, and Practices of Lady Health Workers in Facilitating Breastfeeding in Rural Communities in Pakistan

Infant Nutrition and Feeding in the First 2 Years of Life

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