Volume 10, Issue 3, March – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar1208

Breastfeeding Awareness and Practice among

Mothers in Ahmedabad
1
Snehal Rohitbhai Vegda; 2Dharti Bharat Kumar Chauhan;
3
Margi Nimish Kumar Rana*
PharmD PB, Department of pharmacy, SAL institute of pharmacy
Gujrat Technological University (GTU), Ahmedabad, Gujrat, India*

Publication Date: 2025/04/02

Abstract: Background: Breastfeeding, recognized by healthcare professionals as the optimal feeding method for infants,
plays a crucial role in promoting overall health. It provides essential nutrients, strengthens the mother-child bond, and
supports healthy growth and development. Despite its known significance, breastfeeding practices remain inconsistent.
Objective: The goal is to evaluate what mothers know, how they feel and what they do when it comes to breastfeeding.
Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted in Ahmedabad over six months, surveying 312 mothers
using a awareness, and Practice questionnaire. Results: The findings revealed that while most mothers recognized the
benefits of breastfeeding and understood the importance of starting early, their awareness about introducing
complementary foods and continuing breastfeeding until the child turns two was relatively limited. Awareness of exclusive
breastfeeding remained low. Regarding attitudes, some mothers had positive perceptions, but a significant portion
believed breastfeeding should stop during diarrhea episodes. In terms of practices, many mothers breastfed at regular
intervals, used kangaroo mother care, and provided breast milk as the first nutrient. Conclusion: Despite adequate
awareness and positive attitudes, breastfeeding practices remain suboptimal. Educational campaigns should focus on
promoting optimal breastfeeding behaviors. Strengthening healthcare counseling and tailored educational programs can
help bridge the knowledge gap. Socioeconomic factors, particularly income and education, play a crucial role in child
health. Policymakers should prioritize exclusive breastfeeding, provide support for mothers, and create enabling
environments for better breastfeeding practices.

Keywords: Knowledge,Attitude, Practice, Breastfeeding, Mother.

How to Cite: Agwenyi C.A; Mbugua S.M (2025) Trends in Software Architecture Designs: Evolution and Current State.
International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 10(3), 1772-1777.
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar1208

I. INTRODUCTION support for postpartum weight loss. In low-income areas,

where poor sanitation and limited clean water access increase
Breastfeeding, recognized by healthcare professionals health risks, EBF becomes even more essential for infant
as the optimal feeding method for infants, plays a crucial role survival and overall well-being.(4)
in promoting overall health. offering essential nutrition,
immune support, and superior digestibility compared to Despite its proven benefits, exclusive breastfeeding is
formula. The World Health Organization WHO and UNICEF not universally practiced due to cultural, social, and
emphasize its critical role in infant survival, brain economic barriers. Research highlights the importance of
development, and cognitive function(1)(2). Breastfeeding plays health education, support, and motivation in encouraging
a vital role in protecting lives. As noted by the World Health mothers to adopt EBF. Understanding maternal knowledge,
Organization (WHO, 2016), it helps prevent around 20,000 attitudes, and social support systems is essential in improving
deaths from breast cancer annually. Encouraging and breastfeeding practices. Strengthening these aspects can help
improving breastfeeding practices could enhance these reduce child mortality and enhance infant growth and
benefits even further. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), 3) where immunity. This study aims to investigate breastfeeding
infants consume only breast milk for their first six months, is mothers' knowledge, attitude, and willingness to practice
a crucial public health measure. It not only lowers infant exclusive breastfeeding.
mortality but also protects against serious illnesses like
pneumonia, diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome, and
diarrhea. Mothers also gain significant health advantages,
including a reduced risk of postpartum hemorrhage, breast
and ovarian cancer, and postpartum depression, along with

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Volume 10, Issue 3, March – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar1208

II. METHODOLOGY  Mothers aged between 18 and 45 years.

This study, which looks back and forward, took place in  Exclusion Criteria
Ahmedabad over the course of an academic year from July to  Unwillingness to participate
March, with the green light from the Institutional Ethics  Presence of a psychiatric illness
Committee (IEC) of SAL Hospital. The goal was to
understand how aware mothers are, what they think, and how  Need for the Study
they act when it comes to breastfeeding. Keeping a close eye on how aware mothers are about
breastfeeding-What they think and how they behave-is really
We selected 312 participants based on specific criteria important for improving the health of both mothers and their
we set beforehand. To gather our data, we used a specially children. While we know that breastfeeding is essential for
designed record sheet that was created after an extensive overall well-being, there just isn’t enough research on this
review of existing literature and validated by healthcare subject in the Ahmedabad area.
professionals. Data collection was conducted through face-to-
face interviews and online distribution via Google Forms in III. RESULT
Gujarati. Most responses were gathered through the online
google forms, while some were collected via in-person This study examines the socio-demographic
interviews. characteristics of participants, including child age, family
income, mother’s age, and baby’s birth and current weight.
The statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft The majority of children were 6 months old (35.5%), and
Excel 2019, focusing on descriptive analysis to identify most families had a monthly income below ₹25,000 (52.5%).
trends in knowledge, attitude, and practices among Mothers were predominantly aged 26–30 years (44.2%). At
breastfeeding mothers. the data was organized by age into birth, most babies weighed between 2.5–3 kg (47.75%), and
these categories: 21–25 years, 26–30 years, and 31–40 years. currently, 81% weigh between 4–8 kg. This data provides
 Inclusion Criteria insights into factors influencing child health and development.
 Lactating mothers with infants aged 0 to 6 months

Table 1 Socio Demographic Characteristic of Participants

Variables Description N %
Child Age (in month) 1 month 33 10.5
2 month 31 9.93
3 month 25 8.0
4 month 45 14.42
5 month 67 21.4
6 month 111 35.5
Family income (in rupee) Below 25 k 164 52.5
Between 25-50K 134 42.9
Above 50 k 14 4.4
Age of mother <20 1 0.32
21-25 131 41.9
26-30 138 44.2
31-40 42 13.4
Weight of baby at birth time 1kg-2kg 3 0.96
2kg-2.5kg 90 28.84
2.5kg-3kg 149 47.75
3kg- 4kg 70 22.43
Weight of baby (current weight) Under 2 kg 1 0.3
2-4 kg 59 18.9
4-8 kg 253 81.0

 Knowledge
The survey results highlight the participants' knowledge and practices regarding breastfeeding. Among the 312 respondents, a
significant portion demonstrated awareness of key aspects of breastfeeding, though some gaps in knowledge were also evident.
 Starting Breastfeeding Within first Hour: A significant majority, about 68.6%, recognized how crucial it is to begin
breastfeeding within that first hour after birth.
 Awareness of the Benefits of Breastfeeding: An impressive 92% of respondents were knowledge about the many advantages
that breastfeeding offers.
 Knowledge of When to Start Breast Milk: Similar to the first point, 68.6% of participants knew the right time to start
breastfeeding, but 31.4% were unsure.
 Awareness of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Its Importance: A smaller percentage (38.5%) were aware of the significance of
exclusive breastfeeding, leaving 61.5% without this knowledge.

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Volume 10, Issue 3, March – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar1208

 Consumption of Nutritious Foods to Improve Breast Milk: A majority (79.8%) reported making efforts to consume nutritious
foods to enhance the quality of their breast milk, while 20.2% did not engage in this practice.
 Knowledge of How Long to Continue Breastfeeding: Most participants (74.8%) knew the recommended duration for
breastfeeding, but 25.2% lacked this knowledge.

Overall, while many participants demonstrated a good understanding of the basics of breastfeeding, there were notable gaps in
areas such as exclusive breastfeeding awareness and the specifics of breastfeeding duration.

Table 2 Knowledge Question

Questions Description N= 312 %
Are you aware that initiating breastfeeding within the first hour Yes 214 68.6
after birth is highly beneficial? No 98 31.4
Do you know the benefits of breastfeeding? Yes 287 92
No 25 8
Do you know when to start breast milk? Yes 214 68.6
No 98 31.4
Are you aware of exclusive breastfeeding and its importance? Yes 120 38.5
No 192 61.5
Do you consume any nutritious foods to improve breast milk? Yes 249 79.8
No 63 20.2
Do you know how long to continue breastfeeding? Yes 233 74.8
No 79 25.2
What is the duration of breastfeeding? Minimum 6 month 102 32.7
Minimum 1 year 141 45.2
Minimum 2 year 69 22.1
Which method do you prefer for breastfeeding? Skin-skin 237 76
Milk bottle 40 12.8
Breast pump 23 7.4
Other 12 3.8

 Attitude:

 Breastfeeding up to 2 years:
A large majority (76.9%) of participants support breastfeeding for up to two years, indicating strong backing for extended
breastfeeding. However, 23.1% disagree, suggesting that some individuals believe it should not continue for this long.

 Breastfeeding and mother-child bonding:

Almost all respondents (99.4%) agree that breastfeeding enhances the bond between mother and child. This reflects a near-
universal belief in the emotional benefits of breastfeeding, with only a small minority (0.6%) disagreeing.

 Handling episodes of diarrhea in children:

The vast majority (91.6%) recognize that continuing breastfeeding during a child’s diarrhea episodes is important, highlighting
good awareness of appropriate care. However, 8.3% believe changing the child’s diet is better, which could suggest a gap in
understanding the benefits of ongoing breastfeeding during illness.

 Pre-lacteal feed versus breastfeeding:

66.3% of respondents think pre-lacteal feeds are better than breastfeeding, pointing to a common misconception about the
advantages of breastfeeding. On the other hand, 33.7% prefer breastfeeding as the first feeding choice, showing there is still support
for it.

Table 3 Attitude Question

Questions Description N=312 %
Do you agree that breastfeeding should be Agree 240 76.9
continued up to 2 years? Disagree 72 23.1
Do you think breastfeeding can improve mother Agree 310 99.4
child bonding? Disagree 2 0.6
Do you know what to do when child has Stop breastfeeding 286 91.6
episodes of diarrhoea? Change in diet 26 8.3
Is pre lacteal feed better then breastfeeding? Agree 207 66.3
Disagree 105 33.7

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Volume 10, Issue 3, March – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar1208

 Practice
This survey explores various aspects of breastfeeding practices among 312 respondents. A majority (62.2%) of participants
breastfeed at specific intervals, while 33.7% breastfeed on demand. Most (66.3%) agree to seek advice on breastfeeding practices,
while 33.7% do not. The kangaroo breastfeeding method is followed by 52.9% of respondents, and personal hygiene for
breastfeeding is highly prioritized, with 98.4% adhering to it. When it comes to the first nutrient given to infants, 51.9% of parents
provided breast milk, followed by 39.4% who gave Janamgutti, 8% who gave plain water, and a very small percentage (0.6%) who
provided another substance.

Table 4 Practice Question

Questions Description N=312 %
Frequency of breastfeeding On demand 105 33.7
At specific intervals 194 62.2
random 13 4.2
Do you take any advice for breastfeeding practice? Agree 207 66.3
disagree 105 33.7
Do you follow kangaroo breastfeeding method? Yes 165 52.9
No 147 47.1
Do you follow personal hygiene for breastfeeding? Yes 307 98.4
No 5 1.6
What was the first nutrient given for the infant Breast milk 162 51.9
Janamgutti 123 39.4
Plain water 25 8
Other 2 0.6

IV. DISCUSSION mothers on this aspect to improve awareness.

In this study, we took a closer look at what  Practices:

breastfeeding mothers know, how they feel about it, and the WHO recommends breastfeeding on demand, but only
practices they follow. 33.7% of mothers practiced it, while 62.2% followed
scheduled feeding. Similar findings were reported in East
 Knowledge: Africa (41.4%), whereas Kenya had a higher rate (73.3%)
(1)(13)(14)
Most mothers (92%) had good knowledge of .Though scheduled feeding may offer convenience, it
breastfeeding (BF) benefits, aligning with the Techiman does not fully align with WHO recommendations, as on-
Municipality study Ghana(92%) but higher than the Gurage demand feeding better meets an infant’s immediate
Zone study Ethiopia(69.8%)(5)(6). However, only 68.6% were nutritional needs and ensures proper growth(1).
aware of the importance of initiating BF within the first hour,
similar to studies in Kerala (68.3%) and Chennai Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) was adopted by 52.9%
(72.5%)(7)(8). Only 22.1% of mothers knew that of mothers, consistent with Ethiopia (54.49%), showing good
complementary foods should be introduced alongside BF for awareness(12). However, 47.1% did not use KMC,
up to two years, as per WHO recommendations. This is like highlighting a need for further promotion through healthcare
the Abu Dhabi study (33.9%) but significantly lower than Fiji programs and counseling sessions.
(92.2%)(9)(10). WHO also advises exclusive breastfeeding
(EBF) for six months, yet only 38.5% of mothers in our study Additionally, 51.9% of mothers provided breast milk as
were aware of this. This is close to Kerala (44.1%) and the first feed, a positive practice. However, 39.4% gave
Nigeria (50.7%) (7) (11). This indicates a gap in knowledge 'Janam gutty' (a herbal mixture), similar to Jammu
regarding proper infant nutrition, which needs to be (33.7%)(15).WHO warns against this due to potential health
addressed through educational programs. risks such as infant botulism (1). Moreover, 8% of mothers
gave plain water, a practice also noted in Jammu (8.4%),
 Attitude: which can fill an infant’s stomach and reduce breast milk
A positive attitude toward BF is linked to longer and intake, leading to nutritional deficiencies(15).
more successful breastfeeding. However, only 33.7% of
mothers had a favorable attitude, believing BF is better than V. CONCLUSION
pre-lacteal feeding. This is comparable to Ethiopia (20.6%)
but lower than East Africa (81%)(12)(13). 91.6% of mothers The study reveals that while respondents had positive
believed BF should stop during a child’s diarrhea episode— attitudes and good knowledge of breastfeeding, urban
much higher than Chennai (45%), Nigeria (32.2%)(8)(11).This breastfeeding rates were low. This highlights the need for
contradicts WHO guidelines, which emphasize that continued educational campaigns promoting good practices.
BF prevents dehydration and reduces disease Government and non-government organizations should focus
severity(1).Breastfeeding during illness helps maintain on enhancing nursing habits, especially for metropolitan
hydration and provides essential nutrients to aid recovery. women. Breastfeeding is superior to complementary foods
Therefore, healthcare professionals should actively educate for a child’s health, and financial stability influences child

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Volume 10, Issue 3, March – 2025 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar1208

well-being. A significant information gap exists in  Approval of Ethics and Consent to Participate
breastfeeding practices among mothers in underdeveloped This study was approved by the Institutional Ethics
nations like India. Effective counselling and educational Commission in S.A.L. Before participating, all the mother
programs targeting low-income and less-educated women gave their verbal consent.
can help promote healthy nursing habits. While participants
were aware of the recommended breastfeeding duration,  Conflict of Interest
actual practices varied due to cultural and personal beliefs. The authors confirm that they have no competitive
This highlights the need for flexible health communication interests in this study.
strategies that respect these influences while promoting
optimal breastfeeding practices. A strong desire to breastfeed  Consent for Publication
indicates awareness of its benefits. The study also highlights All the authors went through and approved the final
the importance of skin-to-skin contact, personal hygiene, and version of this manuscript for publication.
beliefs regarding infant diarrhea. Understanding these aspects
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