Breast feeding pattern in infants of less than six months of age in Kashmir, Northern India, An observational study

Background: Breastfeeding is a natural act, as well as a learned behavior. The right technique of feeding in the right position is the key to success of breastfeeding. 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 counseling 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 n Kashmir, part of northern India. Material and Methods: This observational analytic cross sectional study was conducted on 400 infants aged less than 6 months who came in OPD of GB Pant Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College Srinagar for immunization or some problem. A semi-structured, pre-tested Performa was used to interview the mothers. Results: Only 52 % of subjects were practising exclusive breast feeding , inadequate milk secretion was major cause of nonexclusive breast feeding Early initiation of breast feeding was done in 40% of infants within first hour of birth. Pre-lacteal feed was given in 31.5 % of infants. Conclusions: Despite so many efforts by Government and NGOs, most of the mothers are still unaware regarding healthy feeding practices. Mothers need to be educated regarding importance of early initiation of breast feeding, exclusive breast feeding, and should be discouraged against prelacteal feeds which can be done through proper counseling and motivation and interventions at multiple levels.