“If you can’t feed hundred people, then just feed one” – Mother Teresa.
2.5% (87/120) were Hindus, 25.8% (31/120) were Muslims, and 1.7% (2/120) belonged to other religions. 65.9% (79/120) were from nuclear families. Mothers of 81.6% (98/120) were literate and of 69.1% (83/120) were housewives. 41.67% (50/120) of the children belonged to families whose per capita income per month was less than Rs. 500.
A total of 93.33% (112/120) of the children were delivered at health facilities and the rest at home. 29.16% (35/120) received prelacteal feed in the form of water, infant milk formula, cow milk and honey. Mothers of 41.66% (50/120) of the children were informed about EBF and it was obtained mostly from the health facility (56.67% i.e. 68/120). The others were informed by family members and peer groups. Prelacteal feeding was more prevalent among mothers who were not informed about EBF and the relationship was statistically significant . Most of the children (76.67% i.e. 92/120) received breast milk within 24 h. 90% (108/120) were fed with colostrums. 28.33% (34/120) received exclusive breast feeding for 6 months. EBF was less in literate mothers and the relationship was statistically significant . Inadequate milk production is the most common reason for not giving EBF, which is about 62.79% (54/86). Rest were due to lack of information, prematurity, illness of mother, and the summer season. 71.66% (86/120) were given complementary feeding at 6 months . Advice for timely introduction of complementary feeding was obtained from the health facility, guardian and peer groups. Common foods used were rice, dal, mashed potato, suji, cerelac etc.
Infant feeding practices in the community are strongly influenced by what people know, think, and believe about these issues. They are also strongly affected by social circumstances, economic factors, and other forces beyond an individual’s intention and ideas. Effective communication for behavioral change should therefore be the prime objective for ensuring optimal infant feeding.
We took an initiative to give them proper food, nutrients and periodically medical check-up. More than 3000 children have been benefited by our programs. You can also contribute.
