Identification of Factors for Cessation of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Mothers of Infants

Background: For the healthy growth of a child, it is essential that the child be breastfed exclusively for 6 months and continued up to 2 years of their age. Although the practice of breastfeeding is common in India, the District Level Household and Facility Survey showed that the percentage of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) dropped from 63% <1 month to 49% under 3 months and 32% under 5 months. Aim: This study was undertaken to identify the factors for cessation of EBF among mothers in Puducherry. Materials and Methods: It was a hospital-based cross-sectional study where 80 mothers of infants who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were selected by purposive sampling technique. Fifteen factors addressing the main reasons for cessation of EBF were developed. Results: The results revealed that during the 1st month, 78 (97.5%) of the mothers provided EBF, during the 2nd month, 87.5% of the mothers provided EBF, and during the 3rd, 4th, and 5th month, 80%, 54%, and 26% of the mothers provided EBF, respectively. The factors leading to cessation of EBF by mothers were not having sufficient milk (77.5%), going back to work (51%), had too many household chores (60%), felt tired due to breastfeeding (42.5%) and baby-centered factors such as baby continuing to remain hungry even after taking breastfeed (51%), baby failed to breastfeed (47.5%), and baby not gaining adequate weight (48.5%). Conclusion: EBF continues to be low among the mothers. Strategies need to be undertaken to improve EBF.