Infant Feeding Practices and Beliefs in Working and Non Working Urban Lactating Mothers of Ludhiana

• Published in: Journal of human ecology (Delhi) 1999-09, Vol.10 (5-6), p.373-378
• Main Authors: Sachdeva, Rajbir, Kaur, Paramjot, Sangha, Jasvinder K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Infant; Lactation; Punjab; Socio-economic Status
• ISSN: 0970-9274
• DOI: 10.1080/09709274.1999.11907515

The present investigation was undertaken to assess infant feeding practices and beliefs of working (W) and non-working (NW) lactating mothers. A sample of 50 urban mothers of Ludhiana aged between 21-35 yrs. from middle socio-economic group were selected in the sixth month of lactation. The subjects were divided equally into W and NW groups. The mean per capita monthly income was Rs. 1367/- and Rs. 1670/- in WG and NWG. respectively. Information regarding infant feeding practices was recorded during sixth and ninth month of lactation. The pre lacteal feed mostly given to the infants was honey (60% in WG and 80% in NWG). Other pre lacteal feeds were plain water and Janam ghuti. Majority of the re-others fed colostrum in WG (93.3%) and NWG(80%). All mothers of NWG continued to breast feed till nine mothers of age. whereas 40% of WG discontinued before six months of age. The results of present study indicated that significantly (p≤0.01) higher number of subject of WG fed their infants at fixed intervals It was noted that initiation of supplementation was earlier in WG. Commercial supplements were preferred for their infants by WG. Common home-made supplements given were Suji kheer, rice kheer. biscuits etc. It was also observed that morbidity status of infants belonging to WG was found to be comparatively poor Appopriate intervention measures should be taken to ensure continued success of lactation without deterioration in infant feeding practices in working lactating mothers.