A study of breast feeding practices in UHTC field practice area of SMS medical college Jaipur, Rajasthan

Abstract

Background: This study is designed to explore the breastfeeding practices among postnatal mothers. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out at immunization clinic at Urban Health Training Centre, under SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan during January 2019 to March 2019. The data was collected from 110 postnatal mothers with infant upto 1 year of age using a pre designed semi structured proforma. Results: Out of 110 majority of mothers (52.6%) initiated feeding within 1 hour of delivery. 20.6% mothers discarded colostrum. 56.8% females exclusively breastfed their infants for ≥6 months.Conclusion: Few mothers initiated breastfeeding at the earliest. Wrong customs like giving prelacteals and discarding colostrum is still practiced. Hence programmes, which support and encourage exclusive breastfeeding practices particularly at a primary care level, focusing more on younger, well-educated women and those from lower socioeconomic class is a great need.