A STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF BREAST FEEDING AMONG RURAL MOTHERS IN THAZHAKUDY VILLAGE, THOVALAI BLOCK, KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT.

Under - nutrition is associated with at least 35% of child deaths. Also adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood is essential to assure the growth and development of children to their full potential. Poor nutrition increases the risk of illness and is responsible, directly or indirectly. For childhood morbidity and mortality. The problems of malnutrition are various. The short term problems include a stunted growth, infection proneness etc and the long term problems include reduced intellectual performance in the adulthood. For almost all disorders, the prevention is natural in the form of mother's milk. For healthy growth and development, mother's milk is essential. Breastfeeding is the optimal form of infant nutrition. Breast milk fully meets the requirements of the infant in the first few months of life. All mothers knew that they had to breastfeed their babies, but they did not have adequate knowledge about the appropriate way to breastfeeding. Now a days creating awareness among mothers on correct breastfeeding practices is a must. Infant feeding practices have a significant effect on the health of both mother and child. Breast feeding practices in rural communities are shaped by their beliefs, which are influenced by social, cultural and economic factors. Mothers having at least one child of age from six months to two years in Thazhakudy Village was taken for the study and analyzed.