Awareness of pregnant women regarding infant feeding practices in a field practice area of a medical college of Maharashtra

Breast feeding and complementary feeding are known to play a crucial role in the growth and development of an infant. Various Global agencies recommend that Infants should be exclusively breast fed for 6 months and appropriate complementary feeding should be started at the age of six months without discontinuing breastfeeding. Though there are many awareness programmes of the Government, there are still many wrong practices and myths associated with infant feeding. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge about breast feeding and complementary feeding in pregnant women. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in the Field Practice area of a Medical College In Maharashtra. There were 80 pregnant women in the 10 adopted villages. 58 women were interviewed for the study by the principal investigator after obtaining consent, with the help of a pretested, IYCF questionnaire formulated by Breast feeding Promotion Network of Results: Out of the 58 women interviewed, all were married and majority 50, (86.20%) were housewives. 46(79.31%) belonged to joint families. 32(55.17%) were primigravida and 26 (44.87%) were multigravida.93% had knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding but only 72% knew the correct time of initiation.57% felt that pre-lacteal foods should be given. 47% knew correct age of giving complementary foods but variety of foods to be given was not known. Myths regarding complementary foods are prevalent. 60% believed that bottle feeding should not be given. Level of education has a positive impact on infant feeding practices. Recommendations: Education regarding infant and young child feeding practices should be given to all pregnant women and also to their family members