To Investigate the Infant Feeding Practices Prevalent Among Mothers of Chandigarh, India.PRADHAN R* AND ARORA A** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND POST GRADUATE STUDENT, GOVERNMENT HOME SCIENCE COLLEGE, SECTOR 10, CHANDIGARH
METHODS:
A total of 300 mothers, with infants aged 6 to 24 months, who visited the Pediatric O.P.D. at hospitals of Chandigarh, were randomly selected and interviewed. The self developed, pre tested questionnaire was used for data collection
RESULTS:
Out of 300 mothers interviewed, 87.6% and 40.7% mothers knew about exclusive breastfeeding and weaning foods, respectively. The proportions of infants with exclusive breastfeeding under six months (78%) and infants who received complementary feeding at the age of 6–8 months (81.7%) were high. 86.7% and 60% infants were continuing with breast feeding till the age of 6 – 12 months and 12 – 24 months, respectively. Mother was the primary care giver (73percent). Doctors (66.7%) were major source of information for mothers regarding weaning foods. Home made weaning foods were commonly given to infants. 25% mothers included green leafy vegetables like spinach in weaning foods. Weight monitoring was done for all infants. 11.33% infants were found under weight (WHO, 2008). 56.7% followed a time table for giving food to their children. 81.7% respondents included fat and sugar to make weaning foods energy dense. 28.7% infants were given nutritional supplements and tonics.
CONCLUSIONS:
Nutrition education regarding exclusive breast feeding and healthy complementary feeding will go a long way in improving and achieving optimal nutritional status and reducing malnutrition.