“A Study To Assess Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Early Initiation Of Breastfeeding In Mothers Who Delivered At Tertiary Care Centre”

Abstract

Abstract:-

Objective:-

• To assess knowledge regarding early initiation of breastfeeding and attitude towards early initiation of breastfeeding and overall breastfeeding practices in mothers who delivered in tertiary care centre.


• To determine factors affecting practice of early initiation of breastfeeding in mothers who delivered in tertiary care centre.


• To estimate proportion of early initiation of breastfeeding among mothers delivered in tertiary care centre.


• To suggest measures for promoting early initiation of Breastfeeding.

Methods:-

It is a cross-sectional observational study conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GMERS Medical College and Civil Hospital, Sola, Ahmedabad during May 2020 to October 2021 among Women who delivered vaginally or by caesarean. A face-to-face interview was conducted using a predesigned, standardized questionnaire regarding knowledge, attitude and practices of breastfeeding.

Results:-

68 % of women initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour of delivery. Maternal Age, sex of child , religion, area of residence, and type of delivery ( vaginal or caesarean section ) are the factors which determines initiation of breastfeeding and to be eliminated, while maternal educational status , maternal employment status , socioeconomic status , number of ANC visits and antenatal counselling are the factors which are associated with initiation of breastfeeding and to be improved.

Conclusion:-

Our study concluded that targeted and well-coordinated breastfeeding policies and interventions by healthcare workers , eliminating myths regarding prelacteal feeds and promotion of EIBF will improve early initiation of breastfeeding practices for all Indian mothers.