Role of Breast-Feeding in Postnatal Women

To assess the attitude of breastfeeding in postnatal women. Breastfeeding is essential for the health and development of the child. It is protective against gastrointestinal and respiratory infections of the baby. Early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding and introduction of complementary food in conjunction with continued breastfeeding is necessary for the sensory and cognitive development of the child. Even though the prevalence of breastfeeding is high, certain undesirable cultural practices delay initiation of breastmilk and colostrum. World Health Organization recommends the practice of exclusive breast feeding for infants up to 6 months of age and continue breast feeding up to 2 years along with weaning foods. Hence this study was conducted to follow up the breastfeeding practices of postnatal mothers and regarding its initiation and duration of exclusive breastfeeding in Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences.