Abstract: Breast feeding may be the single most important thing a mother can do for the health of her infant in the first year of life. Exclusive breast feeding is recommended worldwide as the optimal feeding for first 6 months of life and semisolid foods are recommended to be introduced after 6 months of age while breast feeding is continued up to 2 years to meet the increased physiological requirements of the infant. Even though majority of the mothers are aware of the importance of breastfeeding and have desire to breastfeed, still than they are not able to fulfil with full potency due to inappropriate feeding practices. So a study was undertaken to assess the breast feeding practices among postnatal mothers using a Breast Feeding Observation Checklist. Sample size was 53 and convenient sampling technique was used in this study. The results showed maximum mothers 32(60%) had appropriate position during breast feeding, about 19 (36%) had moderately appropriate and only 2 (4%) of the postnatal mothers had inappropriate positioning. With regard to baby’s position during lactation maximum babies 27(51%) had appropriate position, 16(30%) babies were in moderately appropriate and 8(15%) babies were in inappropriate position during breast feeding. Regarding how mother initiates a feed showed majority 39(74%) of the babies were appropriate in reaching the breast, 12(23%) of the babies had moderate and only 2(4%) babies were inappropriate in reaching the breast. During breast feeding the signs of appropriate attachment indicated that maximum 42(79%) babies had appropriate attachment, 7(13%) of the babies were moderately appropriate and only 4(6%) had inappropriate attachment. Babies behaviour showed that 43(81%) had appropriate behaviour, 7(13%) had moderately appropriate and 2(4%) had inappropriate behaviour during breast feeding. Regarding babies behaviour at the end of the feed 37(70%) babies showed appropriate, 13(25%) were moderately appropriate and 3(6%) were inappropriate.
Keywords: Exclusive breast feeding, infant, optimal feeding, signs of attachment.
Title: A Study to Assess the Breast Feeding Practices among Postnatal Mothers in Selected Hospitals at Puducherry
Author: DR. V. R. SELVA AMBIGAI, MRS. V. REVATHY
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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