BREAST FEEDING PRACTICES AMONG POSTNATAL MOTHERS-A HOSPITAL BASED STUDY.

To assess the knowledge and practices of mothers about breastfeeding Practices Cross-sectional study was carried out for a period of one month. A total of 162 postnatal mothers admitted in postnatal ward of OBG dept in Shri.B M. Patil medical college constitute the sample size. The data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed by using SPSS 16th version. The study shows that 21(12.9%) of the babies were feed with prelacteal feeds like honey and sugar water. The significant association was found between prelacteal feeds versus education and socio-economic status. The study concludes that the health care staff of postnatal ward must utilize the opportunity to persuade mothers for timely initiation of breastfeeding practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]