Breastfeeding Practices in Women in Bihar- A Hospital based study

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Breastfeeding Practices in Women in Bihar- A Hospital based study

Journal Title: IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences (IOSR-JDMS) - Year 2019, Vol 18, Issue 2

Abstract

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding is defined by the World Health Organization as infant feeding that consists of only breastmilk. exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, and continued breastfeeding with age-appropriate complementary feeding until 2 years of age. This has the potential to prevent approximately 19% of all under-5 years of age deaths in the developing world, more than any other preventive intervention. Although breastfeeding rates are progressively increasing worldwide, optimal breastfeeding practices are lagging behind, especially in rural and low resource settings including rural populations in India. Therefore, understanding and identifying factors associated with suboptimal breastfeeding practices in rural and low-resource settings can help improve nutrition care in early years of life. Materials and method: A cross-sectional survey of postpartum women admitted in obstetric ward of DMCH, Darbhanga, Bihar was conducted between 1st February 2018 and 30th April 2018. Both caesarean section and normal delivery patients were included in this study. After proper consent by mother they were interviewed based on detailed questionnaire. Women who were HIV positive or whose neonate was critical or admitted in NICU were excluded from this study. A total of 250 samples were included in this study. A standard questionnaire was developed for this study which included both open and closed ended questions. Exclusive breastfeeding was defined by feeding of breastmilk only (as per the World Health Organization), and mixed infant feeding was defined as feeding of both breastmilk and formula milk and/or water. Qualitative information such as the influences on breastfeeding, and opinions on breastfeeding versus top feeding were also elicited. Result: Out of 250 mothers interviewed 178 (71%) had initiated breastfeeding while 72 (28.8%) had not yet started to breastfeed their baby. It was observed that age group 18-24 had least percentage of breastfeeding as compared to those in elder age group. Among all demographic and social personal characters of mother, medical illness, mode of delivery and previous breastfeeding were found to be strongly in correlation with breastfeeding rates. Among those breastfeeding their baby 84 mother were giving exclusive breastmilk to their babies while remaining were giving mixed feeding ( breastmilk along with top feeding, either formula feed or cow milk). Among women who were not breastfeeding their baby main reason was lack of breastmilk production followed by difficulty in initiating breastfeeding following ceaserean section. Poor nutritional status of mother in our region as well as social myths prevelant in area can be reason behind such pattern.

Authors and Affiliations

Dr. Suchandra, Dr. Kumar Arpit, Dr. Akhilesh Kumar

EP ID EP467054
DOI 10.9790/0853-1802064448.
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