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Published on: February 5, 2019

Infant feeding practices in Bhaktapur, Nepal: a cross-sectional, health facility based survey

Manjeswori Ulak1, Ram K Chandyo, Lotta Mellander

  • 1CHRP, Department of Paediatrics, IOM, Nepal. manjeswori.ulak@student.uib.no.

International Breastfeeding Journal
|January 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Exclusive breastfeeding for six months is crucial for infant health but challenging in developing nations. Antenatal counseling on breastfeeding is vital for improving infant feeding practices.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding is a cost-effective strategy to reduce childhood morbidity and mortality.
  • Adherence to breastfeeding recommendations remains a challenge in many developing countries.
  • Understanding infant feeding patterns and influencing factors is essential for improving child health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine infant feeding patterns at nine months of age in Bhaktapur, Nepal.
  • To assess factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers.
  • To identify gaps in breastfeeding information provided during antenatal visits.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 325 infants at nine months of age during measles vaccination.
  • Mothers were interviewed regarding their child's feeding and health history since birth.
  • Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with breastfeeding practices.

Main Results:

  • Only 9% of infants were exclusively breastfed at six months, with partial feeding common (79%).
  • Insufficient breast milk was the primary reason cited by mothers for introducing other foods before six months.
  • Mothers' knowledge of recommended breastfeeding duration and not living in joint families were positively associated with prolonged exclusive/predominant breastfeeding.

Conclusions:

  • Despite high initiation rates, sustained exclusive breastfeeding for six months is uncommon.
  • A significant lack of breastfeeding information was reported by mothers during antenatal visits.
  • Antenatal and routine clinic visits present opportunities for crucial breastfeeding counseling.
Abstract

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