Abstract

Dr. Parth Vyas*, Dr. Mukesh Bawa and Dr. Vikrant Pagar

ABSTRACT

Background: The breast feeding practices adopted in terms of duration, frequency and exclusiveness of breast feeding and weaning have great impact on complete physical, mental and psycho-social development of the child. Objectives: To find out socio-demographic factor affecting exclusive breast feeding. To study factors affecting time of initiation of breast feeding and food given to the baby other than breast milk during first 6 month of age. Methodology: This cross sectional community based study was conducted in an urban slum (field practice area of UHTC of a medical college), for a period of 2 months. All Muslim women with her child up to 2 years of age were included in the study. A 120 were included in the study. All mothers coming to immunization clinic were interviewed. The information were collected from the mother. Study period: January 2013 to June 2013 over a period of six months Results: 86.7% mothers have delivered their child in institutions. Majority of 45 % mothers were belonging to 20-24 years of age group. Out of 120, 74 (61.7%) mothers have exclusively breastfed their child. Exclusive breastfeeding practices were more common among mothers with male children (p value – 0.010). 76 (63.3%) mothers have initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour. 56 (46.7%) mother practiced pre-lacteal feeding. When asked for the reason of Pre-lacteal feeding, 26 (46.4%) women thinks it improves Digestion. Conclusion: Gender based discrimination in exclusive breastfeeding practices were noted. Misconception regarding Pre-lacteal feeding was higher.