Obstetric and infant feeding practices in Punjab: effect of educational intervention

Abstract

A survey of obstetric and infant feeding practices in 100 mothers showed that only 17% infants were exclusively breast fed. Antenatal advice regarding breast feeding was given to only 13%. Sixty eight per cent infants were put to breast 24 hours after delivery. Campaign against bottle feeding was then launched. Fifteen months later, a survey on another 100 mothers showed that 44% infants were exclusively breast-fed, antenatal advice was given to 11% mothers and 60% mothers got active postnatal advice regarding disadvantages of bottle feeds. Incidence of exclusive breast feeding was more in infants who were roomed-in with the mother early, started on breast feeding earlier and whose mothers received antenatal advice. It was concluded that even if the percentage of antenatal advice did not improve, active postnatal campaign directed towards dangers of bottle feeding could increase the prevalence of exclusive breast feeding.

PIP: 2 pediatricians in Delhi, India compared December 1987 data on 100 mothers of 6-month old infants (group I) with March-April 1989 data on 100 other mothers of 4-month old infants (group II) to examine the effect of a campaign against bottle feeding. The campaign consisted of local physicians viewing 2 videos on breast feeding, posting of antibottle feeding posters in almost all hospitals and pediatrician and obstetrician clinics, a lecture on appropriate and harmful infant feeding practices, and meetings with local obstetricians asking them to stop giving infants a bottle and formula. Even though all mothers had attended prenatal clinics, only 13% of group I mothers and 11% of group II mothers had received advice on breast feeding, and a physician or nurse advised women to bottle feed in about 50% of cases. Yet 60% of group II mothers received postnatal information on breast feeding and dangers of bottle feeding. 90% of group I infants had received bottle feedings at least once. At the time of the interview, group I mothers were exclusively breast feeding only 17% of their infants compared with 44% for group II mothers. 64% of group II infants moved into the mother's room within 2 hours of delivery. Mothers began to breast feed 51% of their infants within 24 hours. Rooming-in had a positive effect on exclusive breast feeding among group II infants. For example, 54.6% of those infants who roomed in with their mothers within 2 hours were exclusively breast fed compared with 25% of those who roomed in after 2 hours. 75% of infants who were exclusively breast fed were those who began breast feeding within 12 hours, 37% within 12-24 hours, and 32.6% after 24 hours. Only 2% of group II infants had received breast milk as their 1st feeding, but 90% received honey. The campaign did result in improved postnatal advice on breast feeding and a subsequent increase in the prevalence of breast feeding.