Knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers regarding early initiation of breast feeding in the obstetric wards of a tertiary care hospital of Rohtak city of India

Attitude of mother towards neonatal feeding is an importan t component in child health. Even after special efforts by the WHO, Govt. of India and various health agencies, brea stfeeding rates in India tends to remain below satisfactor y level. Multiplefactors tend to affect breastfeedingrates. This study was aimed to assess the various maternal and neonatal factors affecting initiation of breastfeeding in the early neonatal period. The study was a cross secti onal study done in postnatal wards of a tertiary care hospital in Rohtak city. A total of 139 mothers were interviewed during 02 Jan 2015 to 09 Jan 2015.Mothers were interviewed within 7 days of delivery. A pre designed questionnaire was used to collect data and EPI info software w as used to analyse data. Commonest cause for delayed breastfeeding initiation included cesarean section and post natal fatigue.40% of mothers were able to initiate breastfeed within 1hr.Incidence of breastfeeding within 1 hr. was highest in mothers having age 26yrs-30yrs, followed by 21yrs-25yrs and 30yrs and above.Early initiation of breastfeeding was highest during the morning shift of health care workers while it was lowest during night sh ift. Maternal health and education status, lack of information about advantages of breast feed and various o ther socio-economic factors played a key role in affecti ng the breast feeding practices