A Descriptive Study to Assess Breastfeeding Practices among Breastfeeding Mothers of Selected Rural Area of Rajpura, District Patiala, Punjab

Background of the study Breastfeeding is the most natural and complete source of nutrition for infants, providing essential nutrients, and health benefits for both mother and child. It not only fulfills the infant's nutritional requirements but also plays a crucial role in enhancing immunity, promoting healthy growth, and fostering maternal–infant bonding. The World Health Organization recommends early initiation within one hour of birth, colostrum feeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and continued breastfeeding for two years or longer. Despite its benefits, optimal and appropriate duration are critical indicators of optimal infant feeding practices. Despite its benefits, optimal breastfeeding practices are influenced by socio demographic, cultural, and healthcare related factors, particularly in rural communities. Aim of the Study To assess breastfeeding practices among mothers and to find the association between these practices and selected demographic factors Methodology A descriptive study was carried out among 70 breastfeeding mothers in Thuha village, Rajpura, District Patiala, Punjab, Participants were selected using convenient sampling technique. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Findings of the study revealed that 65.7 initiated breastfeeding within one hour of birth and 71.4 practiced exclusive breastfeeding for six months. Most 90 believed that breast milk was sufficient for the first six months, and 80 showed good practices. The mean practice score was 14.24 ± 1.82. Only 10 had attended health education sessions, and 31.4 faced breastfeeding related problems such as latching problems, nipple soreness, or insufficient milk perception. Significant associations were found between practices and maternal age, education, family type, and place of delivery p 0.05 .Conclusion Most rural mothers practiced breastfeeding, yet many lacked full knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding and correct techniques. Recommendation Integrating targeted breastfeeding education into antenatal and postnatal care, strengthening community based awareness campaigns, and empowering healthcare workers to provide hands on guidance could improve exclusive breastfeeding rates and support mothers in overcoming breastfeeding challenges. Manu Sharma | Navdeep Kaur | Rajwinder Kaur | Seema Limbu | Vikas Jhakar | Ms. Poonam Thakur | Dr. Davinder Kaur "A Descriptive Study to Assess Breastfeeding Practices among Breastfeeding Mothers of Selected Rural Area of Rajpura, District Patiala, Punjab" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-9 | Issue-6 , December 2025, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd99990.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/medicine/nursing/99990/a-descriptive-study-to-assess-breastfeeding-practices-among-breastfeeding-mothers-of-selected-rural-area-of-rajpura-district-patiala-punjab/manu-sharma