Incidence and factors associated with failure to exclusively breastfeed before six months in mothers delivered at a tertiary care hospital- A Longitudinal cohort study

Lack of exclusive breastfeeding is associated with infant and

childhood morbidity and mortality including lifelong impact on school

performance, productivity, and intellectual development, and overall health

during adolescence and adulthood. Breastfeeding in general, exclusive breastfeeding in

particular, is among the best interventions in the first 1000 days. The main challenges impeding the success of breastfeeding were: formal work schedule;informal work; family influence due to community culture from grandmothers,

cousins, and aunties; insufficient breast milk; and swollen breast or sore

nipples. The literature revealed that the initiation rate of breastfeeding is high. However, the ratedeclined over six months. Aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of

cessation of exclusive breastfeeding (defined) by the mothers who delivered

babies at a tertiary care hospital, at 6 months after delivery determine the

factors which are associated with the discontinuation of exclusive breast feeding

at 6 months compared to mothers who continue exclusive breast feeding at 6

months. Based on our study, we can create a prediction risk model where we can identify mothers who will probably stop breastfeeding or will not continue exclusive breastfeeding. Thus, we can counsel those mothers and increase the incidence of exclusive breastfeeding, which shall benefit our society.