Knowledge and Attitude of Post Natal  Mothers Towards Breast Feeding in A  Tertiary Care Hospital, Bellary, Karnataka

Ramesh K.; K.Pavan Kumar

Volume : III, Issue : IV, April - 2014

Knowledge and Attitude of Post Natal Mothers Towards Breast Feeding in A Tertiary Care Hospital, Bellary, Karnataka

Ramesh K. , K. Pavan Kumar

Abstract :

Background: Breastfeeding is known to be central in an infant\'s nutrition and growth worldwide. Fewer mothers offer east milk in this crucial period due to various misconceptions and cultural beliefs. Our objective was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of east feeding Methodology: A Descriptive study was conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital, Bellary, Karnataka. A total of 600 postnatal mothers were study subjects. Score system was adopted to assess knowledge and attitude. Data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire by interview technique Results: Among 600 post natal mothers, 52.7% were in the age group of 21 - 25 years. It was observed that among 600 children of study subjects, 28.7% were in the age group of 7- 12 months. Other than initiation of east feeding (88%), benefits of east feeding (100%) and smoking while lactating (100%), majority of mothers had inadequate knowledge and attitude towards east feeding Conclusion: The need of the hour is to educate our health care personnel about the importance of providing eastfeeding counseling to mothers whenever they get the opportunity, especially during the antenatal visits