Initiation Of Breastfeeding And Type Of Feeding Pattern Among The Post Natal Mothers On The Basis Of Parity And Type Of Delivery

Abstract

Aim: To determine if caesarean delivery may be a factor impacting early and exclusive breastfeeding and the impact of cesarean section deliveries on timely initiation of breastfeeding practice.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among postnatal mothers who were admitted in our postnatal ward of rural hospital. We surveyed 500 postnatal mothers between the period from JUNE 2021 to January 2022. All mothers were explained about the purpose of our study. Written informed consent was obtained from the mothers who were ready to participate in the study. Face to face interviews were conducted by the researchers and Hindi and English languages were used for the same. Questions were asked regarding initiation of breast feeding and pattern of breast feeding. Data entry done in Microsoft word excels sheet.

Results: Among total 500 mothers, 14 (2.8%) mothers were less than 20 years of age, 163 (32.6%) mothers were between 21 to 25 years, 236 (47.2%) mothers were 26 to 30 years and 87 (17.4%) mothers were above 30 years of age. Among 192(38.4%) primigravida mothers, 111 (22.2%) were delivered via NVD and 81 (16.2%) were delivered via LSCS respectively. Among 308 (61.6%) multigravida mothers, 183 (36.6%) were delivered via NVD and 125 (25%) were delivered via LSCS. Out of 500 mothers, 485 (97%) mothers administered colostrum to their newborns. Out of 500 newborns, 18 (3.6%) newborns were given prelacteal feeds. Eleven newborns received honey and 7 received gutti. Out of total 500 mothers, 128 (25.6%) mothers started exclusive breast feeding however switched to mixed feeding in due course of time.

Conclusion: It was observed that the breastfeeding initiation period was different for the different modes of delivery as well as parity. Cesarean delivery and primipara were associated with a low proportion of breastfeeding initiation though the number increased during next 24 hours. Therefore, it is highly recommended that the health care providers should provide adequate knowledge regarding the breast feeding and proper care of the breasts must be taught during  the antenatal period.