EVALUATION OF BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES IN THE COMMUNITY ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objectives: To evaluate the breastfeeding practices in the community. Methods: Results: Total 400 mothers of children were interviewed, minimum age of child was 12 months, and maximum age was 60 months with mean age of 33 months (SD 13.4). Minimum maternal age was 18 years; maximum age was 45 years with mean age of 29 years (SD 5.3). Most of the mothers belonged to lower socioeconomic status, had low literacy status, and were housewives. Breastfeeding initiated in 90% of cases, but exclusive breastfeeding till 6 months was given only in 23% of cases (p= 0.055). About 51% of women included in the study started topfeeding their children before 6 months of age. Many mothers believe in giving breastfeed on 3 rd day. Topfeeding was diluted cows milk and insufficient milk production was the most common cause of cessation of breastfeeding. Conclusion : The risk factors need to be determined that lead to inadequate breastfeeding practices in the community in order to improve the nutritional status of infants in Pakistan.