KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS BREAST FEEDING AMONG LACTATING MOTHERS IN KING GEORGE HOSPITAL, A TERTIARY CARE CENTER

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is recommended for the first sixmonths of age by the World HealthOrganization. Mothers good knowledge andpositive attitude play key roles in the process of exclusivebreastfeeding practices.

Objectives:The objective of the present study was to examine theknowledge and attitude towards breast feedingpractices among lactating mothers in inpatient wards in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam.

Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out amongrandomly selected postnatal mothers at Inpatient wards in the Department of obstetrics, King George Hospital, a tertiary care center in Visakhapatnam. Data was collected through face-to-face interview using astructuredquestionnaire.

Results: Our findings revealed that a majority 86%(n=284) of the mothers werebreastfeeders.About 58%(n=191) believed that colostrum is nutritionally beneficial to child. About 46%(n=152) initiated breast feeding within an hour. 70%(n=231) of mothers felt it should be given for >6 months. 83%(n=274) of mothers were against pre lacteal feeds. Mothers have goodknowledge and practices on breast feeding andfair attitude toward breast feeding.

Conclusion: The breastfeeding practices in India still can be improved, although women were aware of the exclusive breastfeeding and its importancethey did not practice this to the fullest. We suggest access to nutrition information pertaining to breastfeeding can be strengthened further through various community programmes. Individual breastfeeding counsellingand health education on nutrition to the mother by health workers should be promoted.