Breastfeeding among urban women of low-socioeconomic status: factors influencing introduction of supplemental feeds before four months of age.

This study assessed characteristics of women who exclusively breast feed infants during the first 4 months and women who introduce early supplementation of foods in India. Data were obtained from interviews with 75 randomly selected mothers. 73.3% of mothers were 20-30 years old. 49.3% of birth weights were under 45 kg. 20% were under 145 cm in length. 55 mothers (73.3%) received prenatal care. 26 mothers were informed about breast feeding. 76% of mothers resumed full household and/or professional work within 45 days of delivery. 61.3% of births were males. 97.3% were normal vaginal deliveries. 98.7% roomed with their mother after delivery. 62.7% were breast fed within the first day of life. The rest were breast fed by the 3rd day. 51.3% were started on supplementary feeding within 6 weeks. 72% were started on supplementary feeding within 2 months. Duration of exclusive breast feeding was unrelated to maternal education or nutrition, socioeconomic status, family support, motivation for breast feeding, birth order, or gender of the infant. The most common reason for early food supplementation was insufficient breast milk (49.4%). 6 of 13 mothers related work resumption as the reason for artificial feeding. Most mothers used cow or buffalo milk. Most used bottles, and few had proper hygiene. Most diluted the supplements with water.