A Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Breast Feeding Among Feeding Mothers

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding child feeding among feeding mothers and to promote breast-feeding practices among lactating mothers.

Study Design: Observational  cross-sectional study (KAP Study).

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at OPD and indoors of Obstetrics and pediatrics departments of Nishtar  Hospital, Multan during the period from  October 2010 to   January  2011.

Materials and Methods: A total of 160 feeding mothers were selected by simple random technique.

Results:- In our study  out of 160 mothers16 (10%) had matric education and only 08 (5%) had education higher than F.A while 80 (50%) were totally illiterate. Breast-feeding practices were low in lower class and high in middle and upper classes. A total of 61% children were breast-fed while 39% were non breast-fed. Out of 61% breast fed children, 45% were exclusively breast fed while 16% were partially breast-fed. Among the breast-fed children 60% were male while 40% were female. The mothers who started  breast feeding  with in few hours after birth were   61(38%) and 72 (45%) started breast-feeding on 1^st day while 27 (17%) mothers started breast feeding    on 2^nd day after birth. 97%infants were given 'water', 'sugar', 'honey' & 'arq-e-gulag' as ghutti (1^st  feed) rather than giving breast milk due to different reasons. Duration of breast feeding was less than 1 year in 88 (55%) of the mothers, 56 (35%) breast fed their babies for 1-2 years while 16 (10%)  breast fed for more than 2 years.

Conclusion:- Prelacteal feeds were given to majority of babies as first feed by relatives. Male infants are more breasts fed as compared to females. Most of the mothers don’t breastfeed their children for the first 2-3 days because of misconception about colostrums. The leading cause of early weaning in most of children is next pregnancy. The trend in the breastfeeding is relatively lower in the lower socioeconomic class as compared to the middle and upper classes.