Objective:

This study was conducted to determine the rates of exclusive breast feeding, the age of formula and solid food introduction and the maternal factors affecting these among neonates followed up in our Well-baby Clinic.

Material and Method:

Hundred children who were followed up in Well-baby Clinic between 7.4.2004 to 20.11.2006 were included in this prospective study. The duration of exclusive breast feeding and the age of introduction of solid foods or formula were recorded. The influence of maternal educational level, age and parity on exclusively breast feeding in first six months was evaluated.

Results:

The rate of initiation of breast feding after birth was 98%, at 4th and 6th months exclusive breast feeding rate was found to be 63% and 46% respectively. The mean duration of exclusive breast feeding and the age of introduction of formula was found to be 4.67±1.63 and 3.7±1.6 months respectively. The solid foods were introduced at a mean age of 5.37±0.8 months and the average breast feeding duration was found to be 12 months. When mothers were compared for exclusive breast feeding for six months and maximum duration of breast feeding regarding maternal educational level, age and parity, there was not a statistically significant difference for education and age. The rates of exclusive breast feeding and average breast feeding duration of mothers having three or more children were found to be statistically significantly higher than the other group (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

We concluded that maternal age and education did not affect the duration of breast feeding and exclusive breast feeding for six months but as the parity increased the tendency for breast feeding increased. The worldwide accepted rate of exclusive breast feeding for 6 months of age, which is found to be 50% was achieved in our hospital.

Keywords: Breast feeding, human milk, infant