Factors Influencing Exclusive Breast Feeding Practice among the Mothers of Infants in Pokhara

Exclusive breastfeeding means infant receives only breast milk and nothing else except for oral rehydration solution (ORS), medicines, vitamins and minerals for first six months of age. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in our society is low and various underlying factors are responsible. The main aim of this study was to identify the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding practice among the mothers of infant in Pokhara. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 101 breastfeeding mothers having infant up to six months in the immunization clinics held in ward no. 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 of Pokhara-Lekhnath metropolitan. Non probability purposive sampling technique was used. Researcher developed questionnaire were administered to the mothers and data collected. The data were analyzed with Chi square test using SPSS 20 software. The findings revealed that the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice among the mothers of infant below six months old was 49.5 percent. The factors such as mode of delivery (p<0.001), pre lacteal feeding (p<0.001), time of initiation of breastfeeding (p<0.001) and breast problems experience (p= 0.004) were found associated with the exclusive breastfeeding. It concludes that factors such as mode of delivery, pre lacteal feeding, time of initiation of breastfeeding and breast problems experience were found associated with EBF practice. Low birth weight of infants and higher education status of mothers did not influence on EBF. There is a need to provide information on prevention of breast related problems among the breastfeeding mothers for the promotion of EBF practice. Key words: Exclusive breastfeeding, Infant, Mothers