BREAST FEEDING PRACTICES AMONG POST NATAL MOTHERS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN THRISSUR DISTRICT, KERALA, INDIA
Sruthi M. V.*, Saju C. R., Catherin N., Jini M. P. and Parvathy V. K.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Breast feeding is the most precious gift a mother can give her infant. The beneficial effect of
breastfeeding depends on time of breastfeeding initiation, its duration and the age at which the breastfed child is
weaned. 22.3% of neonatal deaths can be prevented by early initiation of Breastfeeding. In India it will account to
saving 250,000 newborn babies annually. Objective: To determine the breast feeding practices and its association
between selected socio-demographic characteristics among postnatal mothers in a tertiary care hospital in Thrissur
district, Kerala, India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among postnatal mothers admitted in
postnatal wards of tertiary care hospital during the month of November 2014 to January 2015. A total of 100
postnatal mothers were interviewed using an interview schedule. Results: Of all the mothers 51% belonged to the
age group of 25-29 years and 40% of mothers belonged to 20-24 age group. All mothers were literate with 25% of
mothers were graduate and 38% of them had educational status up to higher secondary level. 58% of mothers
initiated breastfeeding within one hour of delivery. A statistically significant association between educational
status of mothers and initiation of breast feeding and colostrum feeding were obtained from this study.
Conclusion: Health education of mothers during antenatal period, as well as care givers is essential to improve
breast feeding practices in our country.
Keywords: Breast feeding, Colostrum, Prelacteal feeds, Postnatal mothers.
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