Overview of Optimal Breast-feeding Practices and a Study of Breast-feeding Practices among Suburban Mothers in South India

Background: The status of breast milk practices is dismal in India in spite of specialized nutrient to newborns by way of breast milk. Culture influences breastfeeding decisions of mothers which have an influence on overall growth, development, health and nourishment of infants and children. Objectives: Assessing the maternal information, approach, and practices towards breastfeeding among mothers. Breastfeeding correlation with a number of antenatal visits, hospital education, maternal education, parity, mode of delivery, holding the baby after delivery, socioeconomic status, employment, religion and sex of the child, and pre-lacteal feeds. Methods: In a study, 400 mothers with children up to 2 years attending hospitals over a one year period. Data was collected using a self-administered standardized questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: The data was analysed regarding mean, frequencies, percentages, Chi-Square test and Spearman’s correlation test. Results: Breast feeding was deferred in mothers who delivered by Caesarean section due to mothers being kept for observation. Forty-three point eight % of mothers initiated first breast feeds within an hour. Eighty-eight point six % had initiated breastfeeds within one to four hours, however, it was. Prelacteal feeds were given by twenty-seven % mothers. Most mothers fed colostrum to the infants. Mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding was four and a half months. There was no association between duration of exclusive breastfeeding with parity, hospital education, holding of baby socioeconomic status and sex of the child. 34% of mothers administered in addition to breast feeding bottle-feeding. The mean age of starting complementary foods was 6 and half months. Conclusion: Due to cultural factors and other social promotional activities, the majority of the mothers had adequate knowledge and a positive attitude towards infant breastfeeding practice. Delay in the initiation of breastfeeding will impact education programs and neonatal feeding practices.