Breast Feeding Practices in Infants of Rural Western Uttar Pradesh Region of India

Background: Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. But globally only less than 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed. Adequate breastfeeding counselling and psychological support are essential for mothers and families to initiate and maintain optimal breastfeeding practices.

Objective: The study was done to know the prevalence of exclusively breast feeding, early initiation of breast feeding and practices of pre-lacteal feed in rural Uttar Pradesh and their relation with maternal age.

Material and Methods: This observational analytic cross sectional study was conducted on 355 mothers of infants aged one and half to 12 months who came in OPD or Indoor of Department of Pediatrics UPRIMS and R, Saifai for immunization or some problem. A semi-structured, pre-tested Performa was used to interview the mothers.

Results: Only 48.5 % of subjects were practising Exclusive breast feeding , inadequate milk secretion was major cause of non exclusive breast feeding Early initiation of breast feeding was done in 41.5% of mothers. Pre-lacteal feed was given in 46.8 % of responders. Relation of early initiation of feeding and use of pre-lacteal feed with age of mother was found significant.

Conclusions: Despite of so many efforts by Government and NGOs, most of the mothers in Rural Uttar Pradesh are still unaware regarding healthy feeding practices. We need to improve our counselling and motivation regarding exclusive breast feeding.