KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF BREASTFEEDING AMONG ANTE-NATAL MOTHERS AT A TEACHING HOSPITAL AT KANNUR, KERALA: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

BACKGROUND: World Health Organization (WHO) has recommend breastfeeding as the appropriate method of infant feeding. Colostrum serves as first natural vaccine for the baby. Breastfeeding leads to major health benefits for both mother and baby. Interventions to improve early and correct infant feeding practices can result in reduction in neonatal morbidity and mortality. METHODS AND MATERIAL: STUDY DESIGN & SETTING: A cross-sectional descriptive study done in a medical college. Study Duration: January 10th to February 5th 2013. Participants: All pregnant ladies attending at Kannur Medical College hospital for antenatal check-up during the study period and willing to participate in study were included in the study. In this time bound study 153 pregnant ladies were approached of which 124 consented and comprised the study sample. Data collection: Collected by interviewing the participants using pre-tested and edited questionnaire and analysed by applying proportions. RESULTS: The awareness about breast feeding was good among participants while lacking in few aspects. Majority of them had right knowledge about pre-lacteal feeds, colostrum and timing of initiation of breast feed. But there was a gap between the knowledge they possess and what they practice. 59.4% of those who delivered previously had given pre-lacteal feeds for their babies and the most commonly given pre-lacteal feed is zam-zam water, which is considered as holy water. CONCLUSION: There is gap between the knowledge and what they practise. There is need to address the family members also about breastfeeding so that some of the hurdles in practicing correct breast feeding can be overcome.