Knowledge of breast feeding and timely initiation of it amongst post natal mothers : An experience from a baby friendly teaching hospital of a metropolitan city

Abstract

Background: The benefits of breastfeeding for the health and wellbeing of the mother and baby are well documented. WHO recommends early (i.e. within one hour of giving birth) initiation of breastfeeding. Objectives: To assess the knowledge of breast-feeding and the practices regarding initiation of breast feeding among postnatal mothers as well as to find their association with various factors if any.Settings: Postnatal ward of Calcutta National Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata.Study design: Hospital based descriptive study.Participants: Postnatal mothers.Methodology: Systematic random sampling was done for interview of 620 mothers.Various data were recorded and analyzed. Results: Around 51% mothers were in the age group of 20-25, 15% were illiterate and about 75%were of the socio=economic class III and IV and 70% came from joint family. About 88% mothers had good knowledge score which was used here as the yardstick of knowledge measurement. Variables like increasing age, education, better socioeconomic status, joint family affected knowledge favorably, whereas age of mother below 20, first childbirth adversely affected the score. Also knowledge regarding initiation of breast feeding and duration of continuation of it was poor. Knowledge score did not influence the practice of timely initiation of breastfeeding, but the prelacteal feeding was favorably affected by it.