IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-7-5-15229 Original Research Paper INFANT FEEDING PRACTICES AMONG GRADUATE WORKING MOTHERS IN KOLAR TOWN Rani K N Dr. May 2018 7 5 01 02 ABSTRACT

Present study was conducted to assess the infant feeding practices among the graduated working mothers. Materials and methods: The mothers of infants, coming to a tertiary care centre, Kolar, on outpatient basis were interviewed using a pre–designed questionnaire. Total 200 mothers were interviewed. Results: All mothers have breastfed their baby(100%). 48% of mothers have breastfed their baby within one hour and 16.5% of mothers had delayed initiation of breastfeeding( reason being NICU admission of the newborn baby– 60%). 15% of newborn babies were given prelacteal feeds, most common prelacteal feed given to the newborn baby was cow’s milk (56.6 %). Majority of the mothers(85.5%) think that colostrums is good for the newborn baby. 70% of mothers have exclusively breastfed their baby till 6 months of age. Among 30% of mothers, 46.6% quoted that doing job was the common reason to stop breastfeeding. 81.5% of mothers started complementary feeds at the age of 6 months. 91.5% of mothers had the maternity leave facility at their working place. 76.5% of the working places were not provided with the facility for storage of breast milk.Conclusion: Graduate working mothers have good knowledge about infant feeding practices. There is a need to create baby friendly environment at the working place to continue breast feeding along with the complementary feeds. Emphasis on to create awareness among mothers on storing breast milk.