FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CESSATION OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING UNDER 6 MONTHS OF AGE OF CHILDREN

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life is universally recognized as essential for optimal infant growth, development, and immunity. Despite its well-documented benefits, exclusive breastfeeding rates continue to decline across diverse populations due to maternal, social, and cultural barriers. Insufficient milk supply, maternal employment, and poor maternal health are among the most frequently cited reasons for early cessation. Understanding these factors is vital to designing effective strategies to promote sustained breastfeeding and improve maternal and child health outcomes. Objective: To determine the frequency of factors influencing the cessation of exclusive breastfeeding among infants younger than six months. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Foundation University Medical College (FUMC) / Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, from 26th January 2025 to 20th May 2025. A total of 150 mothers of infants under six months who had ceased exclusive breastfeeding were enrolled using consecutive non-probability sampling. Inclusion criteria were mothers reporting cessation of exclusive breastfeeding, while infants with congenital anomalies, prematurity, or maternal postpartum death were excluded. Data on maternal employment, breast milk insufficiency, poor maternal health, and social issues were collected through structured interviews using a pre-designed questionnaire and validated Likert scales. Anthropometric measurements were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.26, applying descriptive statistics and chi-square or Fisher’s exact test where appropriate. Results: The mean age of infants was 3.20 ± 1.26 months, with 84 (56.0%) aged three months or below. Males comprised 90 (60.0%) participants, and 78 (52.0%) resided in rural areas. Breast milk insufficiency was the most frequent cause of cessation, reported in 66 (44.0%) cases. Maternal employment was documented in 57 (38.0%), social issues in 48 (32.0%), and poor maternal health in 42 (28.0%). Maternal employment was significantly higher in urban mothers (73.7% vs. 26.3%; p = 0.000). No significant associations were observed between age, gender, and other cessation factors. Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding among infants under six months is compromised predominantly by breast milk insufficiency, maternal employment, social challenges, and poor maternal health. Strengthening prenatal education, workplace breastfeeding support, and maternal healthcare can improve exclusive breastfeeding practices and enhance infant health outcomes.