Sixty rural Punjabi women aged 18–33 yrs from low socio-economic group were selected from three villages of Ludhiana district during first month of lactation. The subjects were divided equally into Experimental (E) and Control (C) groups. Nutrition counselling was carried out in vernacular through lectures, demonstrations, visual aids etc. to the E group. Average energy intake in E and C groups was 2248, 1934 and 2334, 2009 Kcal during I & III months respectively. All the subjects consumed diets inadequate in calories, fats, iron, riboflavin, niacin and folic acid, but adequate in protein, calcium, retinol equivalents, thiamine and ascorbic acid. The study revealed that maternal and infant anthropometry was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in E group. Maternal nutrient intake and weight had significant correlation to the weight of the infant. The family income too had significant (P< 0.01) correlation to the nutrient intake of the subjects. The data of the present study revealed that although nutrition counselling Improved the nutrient intake and anthropometry but it did not meet the recommendentations. Nutrition counselling should be given for longer durations. Poor purchasing power appeared to be the key factor for low nutrient intake. Training for self employment should be encouraged to the rural women so that their economic level is raised and better nutritional status can be achieved.
Anthropometry, Infants lactating mothers, Nutrition counselling, Nutrient intake
