A Study to Compare the Growth and Development of Exclusive and Non Exclusive Breast Fed Infants at Selected Community Areas of District Patiala, Punjab

Introduction According to WHO guidelines breastfeeding is mandatory up to 6 months of life of an infant without any supplementation. It protects infants from various infections and helps in proper growth and development. Aim The aim of the study is to compare the growth and development of exclusive and non exclusive breastfed infants at selected community areas of district Patiala, Punjab. Method A comparative descriptive study was conducted on 150 sample (infants). Sample was selected by using quota sampling technique. The data was collected by using socio demographic profile, growth chart given by centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) and self structured observation checklist. Result Regarding growth Shows that mean height of aged 2, 4 & 6 months exclusively and non exclusively breastfed infants were (.04 3.14 vs 52.16 15.90), ( 60.76 4.16 vs 59.723.61) and (64.484.45 vs 61.48 2.22) respectively, mean weight of 2, 4 & 6 months of infants were (4.23.74 vs 3.64.68), ( 5.57 1.11 vs 7.49 10.55) and (8.41 9.78 vs 6.02.67) respectively. Mean head circumference were (39.52 2.45 vs 38.442.08), ( 40.80 1.66 vs 40.601.91) and ( 41.962.05 vs 40.72vs1.24) respectively. Finally, the findings revealed that growth of exclusive breastfed infants was better as compared to non exclusive breastfed infants. Simultaneously, The results regarding developmental milestones shows that exclusive breastfed infants had better developmental milestones as compared to non exclusive breastfed infants.