A STUDY OF BREASTFEEDING AND COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING PRACTICES WITH EMPHASIS ON MISCONCEPTIONS AMONGST THE WOMEN WITH UNDER TWO YEAR CHILDREN IN RURAL AREA

Context: Breastfeeding is one of the most important determinants of child survival, birth spacing, and the prevention of childhood infections. The beneficial effects of breastfeeding depend on its initiation, duration, and the age at which the breastfed child is weaned. The complementary feeding pattern also plays a very important role in the growth and development of the child. Aims & objectives: To study breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices adopted by women of Loni area. To study the socio-cultural factors influencing breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices. Settings and Design: Descriptive cross sectional study Methods and Material: 150 women fulfilling eligibility criteria were taken up for the study for duration of two months. A detailed questionnaire was given to the mothers and results were analysed later on. Statistical analysis used: Chi square test Results: In 4.6% cases prelacteal food was given. Colostrum was given in 90% cases, while in 10% it was not given. Only 50.6% babies were breastfed within 1 hour, Complementary feeding was started after 6 months in 84% babies, before 6 months in 4% and 12% did not know when to start weaning. Majority (58%) said no to breastfeeding when mother was ill while 56.5% women had no change in their diet after delivery. Mother's educational status was associated with proper breastfeeding practices while parity and socioeconomic factors had no significant impact. Conclusions: Most of the women adopted appropriate practices regarding breastfeeding and complementary feeding, but still misconceptions were noted. Thus more awareness should be created regarding this topic.