Knowledge, attitude and practices of breast feeding in primigravida women in tertiary care hospital in central India

Introduction: There are gaps between UNICEF and BFHI recommendations and actual implementations of breastfeeding practices due to inadequate counseling of primigravida on breastfeeding, reflected nationally as poor infant nutritional status. Objectives: The study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of primigravida about breastfeeding, counsel the primigravida women on the prescribed scientific breastfeeding methods, to analyze the change in their perspective about breastfeeding after counseling and to suggest recommendations based on findings. Methods: Questionnaire based descriptive cross sectional study conducted on selected 75 primigravida with gestational age of 36 weeks or more, attending ANC OPD or admitted to NKPSIMS during April and May 2014 after consent. A structured validated pre/posttest questionnaire was administered to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of breastfeeding of participants. Demographic variables were recorded. Pretest was conducted, followed by counseling on the importance of breastfeeding, maternal nutrition, duration of exclusive breastfeeding, mother’s and baby’s position during breastfeeding using flashcards which was followed by posttest on the same questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS software Open Epi Info version 2.3 year 2009. P values < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results: Comparison of pre/posttest results showed statistically significant change in importance of exclusive breast feeding, colostrum, early initiation, suitable position and duration of breastfeeding, perception of baby’s satisfaction and stool color, maternal nutrition and breast problems during lactation after counseling. Conclusion: Antenatal breastfeeding counseling must be strengthened by a multi pronged individualized approach, reinforcement focusing on the recommended practices of breastfeeding to promote and sustain breastfeeding.