Abstract
Introduction: Breast milk is a whole food & provides benefits to not only infants but to mothers as well. It reduces the risk of many diseases in infants and acts as a natural contraceptive for mothers along with many other benefits. Breastfeeding is common in Pakistan but the practices related to it are unsatisfactory. Many factors are contributing to this situation including the poor knowledge and attitude of mothers towards breastfeeding. The education of mothers regarding breastfeeding is important in order to achieve optimum health of an infant as it significantly influences their decision regarding breastfeeding practices.
Objective: To assess breastfeeding-related knowledge, attitude, and practices among lactating mothers and to analyze the determinants of breastfeeding practice among lactating mothers.
Methodology: Cross-sectional study conducted in different hospitals of Lahore. The sample size was 400 lactating mothers. Data was collected using a KAP questionnaire from lactating mothers who had infants aged 0-24 months.
Results: 31% mothers knew that BF is beneficial for mothers, 44.8% mothers agreed that EBF is enough for infants, 66% mothers find it difficult to breastfeed their infant, 46.8% said they will continue to breastfeed their infant for 2 years while 53.3% gave the answer in no.
Conclusion: Mother’s knowledge & attitude significantly affected their breastfeeding practices. They had poor knowledge and less positive attitude towards breastfeeding. Education of mothers related to breastfeeding is important to enhance breastfeeding practices. Both government & non-government organizations should arrange breastfeeding awareness seminars and programs to educate the mothers.