A STUDY TO ASSESS THE BABY FRIENDLY BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES AMONG POSTNATAL MOTHERS ADMITTED IN SELECTED HOSPITAL, WEST BENGAL

A descriptive study were done to assess the compliance of breastfeeding activities with parameters of BFHI (Baby friendly hospital initiative) among 248 postnatal breastfeeding mothers admitted in postnatal wards of College of Medicine & JNM Hospital, Kalyani, Nadia. Non probability purposive sampling technique was used . Questionnaire for Non-Breastfeeding Mother (UNICEF) was used. There was 100% awareness of risks for having water, formula or other supplements to baby on the contrary there was nobody who received information about alternatives of dealing with pain during labour. 66.93% mothers had knowledge of importance of rooming in of the baby. After delivery 100% mothers did exclusive breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding among mothers was influenced by mothers age, ethnicity and educational status. Interventions emphasizing practical education should therefore be targeted at addressing factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding.