AbstractBreastfeeding is associated with numerous health benefits to offspring and mothers and may improve maternalinfant bonding. The present investigation was carried out to assess the breast feeding practices among rural and urban area of Parbhani District. A community based, cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban and rural area of Parbhani District, Maharashtra state. The study variables such as initiation of prelacteal feed, colostrum, time of initiation of breast feeding frequency of breast feeding, breast feeding during mothers illness and reasons for discounting breast feeding. The data generated was analyzed statistically. Results inferred that near about 50 percent rural and 40 percent urban mothers followed the practice of giving prelacteal feed to the new born. Maximum per cent of urban (80) and rural (77) mothers gave colostrum to their infants. It was noticed that among 50 percent of infants weaning was not started at the recommended age, i.e. 6 to 7 months. More per cent of rural (88) mothers have started breast feeding within one hour of delivery as compared to urban (53.5) mothers. It was found that the scheduled feeding pattern was followed among urban (59%) mothers. Whereas, in rural (55%) mothers demand feeding was more commonly used. Majority of mothers from both areas found to be breast fed their infants even when they were suffering from illness, which found to be good practice. In conclusion results inferred that there is need to improve the awareness of mothers regarding various aspects of correct and sound breast feeding practices to promote the heath of infants.
Keywords: Breast feeding; Infant; Prelacteal feed; Colostrum