Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Exclusive Breast Feeding among Lactating Mothers: A cross-sectional study from KIMS Narketpally, Telangana

Background: Breastfeeding dramatically decreases neonatal mortality risks if newborns are put to breast immediately after birth. The relationship between early breastfeeding and educational attainment remains inconclusive. Some studies showed higher education levels of mothers positively associated with early initiation of breastfeeding. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding exclusive breast feeding among lactating mothers. Methodology: The present cross-sectional study was carried at Department of Paediatrics, Shalini hospital, Hyderabad involving 84 lactating mothers in the post-natal ward. Data was entered into Microsoft excel data sheet and was analyzed using SPSS 22 version software. Results: In the present study, majority of subjects were in the age group 23 to 27 years (75%). 56% belonged to lower class, 33% to lower middle class and 11% to middle class. Period of lactation was <6 months in 80% and 6 months to 12 months in 20%. Among Positive attitude questions, 85% agreed for continuation of Breastfeeding up to 2 years, 78% agreed for demand breastfeeding, 91% agreed for following vaccination schedule, 87% agreed that health and hygiene are also important for breastfeeding and 81% agreed that breastfeeding increases mother child bonding. 14% took advice from lactation counsellor before breastfeeding, 87% gave breast milk and 13% gave other feeds, 83% were given breastfeeding within 6 hrs, 8% between 6 to 24 hrs and 9% >24 hrs. 84.0% fed on demand, 10% fed at specific intervals and 6% fed at random and 89% never took galactogogues, 9% took weekly and 2% daily. Conclusion: 96% had knowledge of importance of Exclusive breast feeding. 94% opined exclusive breastfeeding improve immunity. Exclusive breast feeding should be continued for <6 months 16%, 6 months by 78% and >6 months by 6%. 13% gave pre- lacteal feeds to the infant, 87% gave breast milk and 13% gave other feeds, 83% were given breastfeeding within 6 hrs. 89% never took galactogogues, 9% took weekly and 2% daily.