Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is BESTfeeding. Do mothers really know? According to WHO, today, malnutrition is responsible, directly or indirectly for about one third of deaths among children under five. More than two thirds of these deaths are often associated with inappropriate feeding practices occurring during the first year of life. Breastfeeding, is an easy, basic and cost-effective way for a mother to feed her child. Breastfeeding decisions and practices are influenced by multiple factors including knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, as well as socio-cultural and physiological factors. Hence, there is an urgent need to find out the knowledge and attitude of women towards breastfeeding, why breastfeeding was discontinued and in turn educate women about the benefits of breastfeeding, so as to empower them and help them successfully breastfeed. This can tremendously improve the nutritional status of kids at the risk of malnutrition.

Autorentext

Anusha Shanbhag, is a final year medical student(M.B.B.S.) at T.N.Medical College and BYL Nair Charitable Hospital,Mumbai,India. She works with charitable organizations in the healthcare field. This research aims at exploring various aspects of Breastfeeding and attempts to upgrade the nutritional status of kids.