Introduction: Breastfeeding is one practice which is popular since ancient times. Though, few females are well aware of the benefits of breast feeding and correct feeding practices, still a large population doesn’t have complete awareness. This study was planned to assess the knowledge, attitude and various patterns practiced (KAP) by antenatal and post-natal mothers of a small town in Himalayas.

Methods: The study was carried out in Civil Hospital, Theog, Himachal Pradesh. 250 females (both antenatal and post-natal) were enrolled in the study. A prestructured questionnaire regarding KAP of breastfeeding was asked from them in a direct one to one interview. Data was recorded and analyzed at the end of 1 year study period. These were also educated and counselled regarding correct feeding practices at the end of interview.

Results: 250 females with a mean age 28.5 years (22-34 years) were enrolled in the study. All were aware of nutritional benefits of breastfeeding however; non-nutritional benefits were known to 185 (74%) females. 232 (92.8%) females had positive attitude towards breastfeeding. 82 (32.8%) out of total enrolled mothers were postnatal. Breastfeeding was done by all postnatal females. 65 (79.2%) mothers initiated breastfeeding within first hour of delivery. 56 (68.2%) females had babies aged more than 6 months, and out of these only 8 babies had received exclusive breastfeeding till 6 months of age. 3 (3.6%) out 82 mothers did not give colostrum. Prelacteal feeds were administered by 42(51.2%) mothers. Only 31(37.8%) mothers started complementary feeding appropriately at 6 months of age.

Conclusion: Majority of mothers had knowledge about breastfeeding, its nutritional and non-nutritional benefits and practiced the same. Many had positive attitude towards breastfeeding, however, a large proportion did not practice correct breastfeeding practices. So, health education and health care system needs to be furher strengthened to address these issues.

Keywords: Breastfeeding, Knowledge, Practices, Attitude, Lactating mothers.

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Dr Arnav Shandil MD

Civil Hospital Theog, Himachal Pradesh, India