Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Breastfeeding in a Rural Community of Bankura District, West Bengal, India

Abstract

A community-based, cross-sectional observational study was conducted during August 2013 -November 2013 to assess breastfeeding practices in Bankura District, West Bengal, India. In total 350 women were selected for the study. Among them 70.8% were found to be full breastfeeders, 24% were mixed breastfeeders ( mixed feeders ) and 5.2% were found to be practicing only artificial feeding ( formula and animal milk ). The main factors observed in this study interfering with exclusive breastfeeding were apprehension that the breast milk was not adequate for the baby, cesarean delivery and neonatal hospitalization. The attitude of the study population towards exclusive breastfeeding was however found to be positive in general.