TO EVALUATE THE EFFECT OF MATERNAL EDUCATION ON INITIATION OF BREASTFEEDING

Background: Breastfeeding practices play an important role in reducing child mortality and morbidity. This study describe the breastfeeding practices. Methods: This observational prospective study was conducted on 500 newborns delivered at Department of Rajkiya Mahila Chikitsalaya (RMC), Ajmer and outborn section of Department of Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College & Hospital. Results: The effect of mother’s education on initiation of breastfeeding was found to be significant. The effect of higher family income on early initiation of breastfeeding was found statically significant. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the need for breastfeeding intervention programs especially for the mothers during antenatal and postnatal check-ups. Keywords: Breastfeeding, Immunization, Infants.