Knowledge attitude towards breast-feeding amongst auxiliary nurse midwives in rural Delhi

A study was undertaken to determine the knowledge and attitude about breastfeeding amongst auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) working in rural Delhi. It was found that all respondents had correct knowledge about age of initiating breastfeeding, feeding of colostrum and superiority of breast milk over commercial milk preparations. About 76% responded that top milk given after 4 months of age should be diluted. A majority of workers mentioned that consumption of dry fruits, high quantity of milk and ghee increases the quantity of breast milk secretion. The percentage of ANMs who thought that breast-feeding should be discontinued if mother is suffering from an illness were: breast cancer (68%), tuberculosis (56%), malaria (50%) and diarrhea (36%). There is need for continuing education of peripheral health functionaries for updating their knowledge.