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DOI: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijpen.2454.9126.8322.3

Abstract

Introduction: Human milk is uniquely tailored to meet the nutrition needs of human infants. It has the appropriate balance of nutrients provided in easily digestible and bioavailable forms Every infant & child has the right to good Nutrition according to the ‘Convention on the rights of the child. The WHO & UNICEF recommend Early initiation within 1 hour of birth, Exclusive for 6 months & complementary at 6 months with breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or Beyond. Approx 44% of infants 0-6 months exclusively breastfed over the period of 2015-2020.

Aim of the study: A study to identify the factors affecting breastfeeding patterns among mothers in a selected area of Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Methodology: Retrospective exploratory design was used to explore the problem. A total of 66 (sixty-six) mothers who were fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected by purposive sampling technique and data were collected by interview method.

Result: The study findings show that Lactational, Nutritional, Milk Pumping, and Medical & Life Style were the main factors that might be affecting breastfeeding patterns among mothers. There was only an association between Milk Pumping Factors with socio-demographic variable birth weight at 0.05 level of significance.

Conclusion: The study result shows that Mothers who were having infants (0-1 yr) were not able to feed two hourly & There must be a need to skillfully manage and try to minimize the risk.

Keywords : Breastfeeding, Factors, Mothers.

Corresponding Author : Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Associate Professor & Head, Department of Critical Care Nursing, Himalayan College of Nursing, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun 248140, Uttrakhand, India.