Assessment of Breastfeeding Practices among Children Under Two Years of Age in Urban Slums: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract: Introduction: The nutritional well being of a population is both an outcome and an indicator of national development. Reducing infant and child deaths and improving the level of nutritional status of the child is one of the important priority areas for Government of India. One of the important ways to achieve desired reduction of infant mortality is to ensure 100% exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months followed by appropriate complementary feeding along continuation of breastfeeding. Objective: To study the prevalence of Breastfeeding practices of children less than 2 years. Methodology: The present study is a cross sectional study conducted in slums of AMC during June 2018 to August 2019. A total of 840 children between 0 to 2 years were selected using cluster sampling method. The Predesigned pre-tested proforma comprised of socio demographic details, components of antenatal care and breastfeeding practices of infants up to 24 months was used. The data so collected was entered into computer using appropriate software. The data was then analyzed for various parameters and cross tabulation was done using appropriate software. Results: Breastfeeding within one hour was received by 53.2% of children. 61.9% of the children were given pre lacteal feeding after birth as a part of ritual. Only (70.8%) of the children had received colostrum. One third (33.3%) of children less than 24 months of age, were receiving feedings other than breast-milk. Majority (60%) of children had received breastfeeding for 6 months.