Publication:

Exclusive breastfeeding and infection amongst children in Northern Kerala

Background Breastfeeding is regarded as a perfect, natural and protective food for newborns. Early initiation of breast feeding within first hour of birth along with exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months followed by continued breast feeding for up to two years is the most appropriate feeding strategy.

Methods A cross sectional study was conducted among 89 children in the age group one year six months to five years in Malapuram district. Convenient sampling technique was used to interview mothers. Results were expressed as percentages and proportions. Chi square test was used to test the association between the variables.

Results A total of 89 children were studied out of which 51.7% (46) were females. All the mothers are educated and Most of them are homemakers. Normal vaginal delivery was the common mode of delivery in 55.1% and colostrum was given to 97.8% children. Breast feeding was initiated within half an hour for 47 (52.8%) children. Only 62.9% of the children were exclusively breastfed for 6 months. Only 1 child was unimmunized and 96.6% of the children were fully immunized.

Conclusions The children who were exclusively breastfed had less infections compared to children who were non-exclusively breast fed. It is had less infections, not handless infections.