Practices and Problems Related to Breastfeeding among Mothers of Under-Five Children

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of present study is to identify the practice and problems related to breastfeeding
among the mothers of under five children .
Design: A quantitative, descriptive survey design
Setting: Paediatric In Patient and Out Patient Department at AIMS, Kochi, Kerala, India.
Subjects: Convenience sampling was used to select 60 mothers of under-five children .
Method: Semi structured interview schedule was used to assess the breast feeding practices among mothers
of under-five children and Checklists to assess breast feeding problems and factors influencing breast feeding
practices among mothers of under-five children.
Result: Majority of mothers (90%) given colostrum. 53.3% had given exclusive breast feed while thirty
seven mothers 46% opted formula feed and 26.7% had given expressed breast milk during the first six
months of life. 48.3% mothers feed their baby completely from one breast before offering the other. 70%
offered alternate breast during next feed, 43.3% taken dietary modifications and supplements to increase
breast milk. Most of the mothers 58.35% initiated breast feeding after two hours. Majority of mothers 46.7%
had complaints of problems related to biting during breast feeding. Out of sixty mothers twenty one (35%)
reported inadequate breast milk production as a problem during feeding, 30% faces problems related to
breast engorgement.
Conclusion: WHO recommended the exclusive breast feeding up to 6 months. But the present study shows
that 46.7% of the mothers initiated formula fed before six months and of 90% of mothers fed colostrum.
Hence there is a need to educate mothers about exclusive breast feeding up to 6 months.