Factors Affecting Exclusive Breastfeeding, after Counselling at a Rural Health Centre

Adequate nutrition during infancy is essential to ensure the growth, health, and development of children to their full potential. Even with its known advantages, breastfeeding rates are sub-optimal the world over. Objectives are to identify the reasons mothers give for stopping exclusive breastfeeding, to know the common breastfeeding problems and intervention factors effecting breastfeeding. Methods: a prospective survey was conducted on mothers delivered in RLJH & RC attached to SDUMC, Kolar from January 2011 to December 2011 or 500 mothers (whichever is earlier). These mothers and relatives were counselled immediately after delivery about the merits of breastfeeding. A 3-step questionnaire is followed.

Our study recorded an increasing trend towards initiation of breastfeeding. Mothers parents and in-laws were found to be influential in the decision making process of child rearing practices. Postnatal counselling brought down top feeding for the first 3 days. Timely intervention in the form of postnatal counselling to both family and the mother was found to be effective. Primigravida status was noted to significantly affect breastfeeding. Psychological factors, social beliefs, caesarean section and breast and nipple problems are significant reasons that mothers give for not breastfeeding exclusively. Cultural and traditional practices have considerable implications on breastfeeding, and in the overall well-being and health of the mother and the infant. Breastfeeding programs should take into account traditional beliefs and concepts when communicating with families about practices such as food restriction and food avoidance.