Background This study is designed to explore the breastfeeding practices among postnatal mothers and factors that determine exclusive breast feeding.
Methods -This cross sectional study was carried out at immunization clinic at UHTC, under the tertiary care hospital in Central India during August 2012 July 2013. The data was collected from 600 postnatal mothers using a structured proforma which was analyzed using Epiinfo7.
Results -Out of 600 PNC mothers EBF was practiced in only 1.16% mothers and majority (60.90%) of them were illiterate and from upper middle (50%) socioeconomic status. Among non exclusive breastfeeding, majority of mothers had given Ghutti drops (28.8%), gripe water (21.41%), glucose water (16.86%). The period of continuation of breastfeeding had inverse association with education of mother, i.e. 70.26% illiterate mothers were continuing breastfeeding for 12 months as compared to 2.36% mothers having diploma /degree. However practice of EBF was more prevalent amongst upper middle SE class (50%) as compared to lower SE class (11.36%).There was highly significant association for initiation of breastfeeding within first hour with HE received during ANC period (p < 0.0001). The practice of EBF was 12% for under 2 month infants & merely 1% at the age of 6 months.
Conclusion - Hence programmes, which support and encourage EBF practices particularly at a primary care level, focusing more on younger, well-educated women and those from lower socioeconomic class is a need of hour.
Key words: Exclusive breastfeeding, postnatal mothers, Health education
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