Feeding Practices Adopted by Lactating Mothers of Ludhiana and its Effect on Growth of Infants

Ninety lactating mothers and their infants less than 3 months of age were selected from different areas of Ludhiana city. Based on feeding practices subjects were divided into three categories i.e. breast + bottle fed (Group A) bottle fed (Group B) and breast fed (Group C). The data regarding feeding practices adopted by lactating mothers was collected by pre-tested questionnaire. Feeding practices revealed that majority of the respondents in A and C group, gave colostrum to their baby and started breast feeding from the first day of delivery. Prelacteal feed mostly given to their infants was honey. Intervals of feeding were 2–3 hrs and number of feeding ranged from 4–11. Atleast one night feeding was given by majority of the subjects. Artificial feeding (AF) was started at 1–2 months in A and B group whereas at fourth month in C group. Feeding at fixed hours was most commonly practised. More than 5 feedings were given to bottle fed infants. Majority of the subjects in A and C group gave 1–3 feedings of 50–100 ml while 50% in B group gave 150–200 ml of top milk and sugar was added as sweetening agent. Bottle was most commonly used as mode of feeding which was sterilized for 10 minutes. Weaning was started at 3rd month in A and B group whereas at fourth month in C group and cerelac was most commonly used. Diarrhoea was less prevalent in breast fed group whereas morbidity rate was more in breast + bottle fed group. Maximum gain in weight was observed in B group and CHL in C group. Increase in circumference of head, chest, MUA and SFT was maximum in B group whereas calf circumference in C group.