Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of breastfeeding counselling and its impact on an infant’s nutrition.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Nutrition Stabilization Center, Pediatrics department, from January to June 2020. Mothers having infants under six months of age presenting with severe acute malnutrition and feeding problems were included in the study. Each subject was assessed for feeding problems and nutritional status and managed according to the standard protocols. Infants were kept on two follow-up visits 2 weeks apart to check their nutritional status in terms of adequate weight gain (more than 15 grams per kg per day).
Results: A total of 310 infants were studied; their mean age was 03.22+2.11 months, mean body weight was 2.57+0.64 kg, and the average length was 52.91+4.43 cm. Out of all, 36.85% infants were only breastfeeding. On initial assessment, a well-attached position was seen only in 6.5% of infants. At 1st follow-up, mean weight of babies was 3.12+0.65 kg and the mean length 53.61+5.67 cm. The attachment improved in 97% of babies, 96.5% of babies were well positioned, and sucking effectiveness was in 99.4% of cases. On the second follow-up, mean weight of babies was 3.78+0.69 kg and the mean length of babies was 55.50+6.50 cm.
Conclusion: Breastfeeding counselling showed a significant role in improving the nutritional status of infants under six months of age. After counselling, all the babies were well positioned, well attached, and developed effective suckling.

Key words: Breastfeeding, malnutrition, counseling, feeding position, infants.