Socialization of mothers on baby feeding practices (A sociological study of Malepatan, Pokhara)

Abstract

The main goal of this study was to find out ways of socialization of mothers on baby feeding practices. Baby feeding refers to feeding infants and young children with exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; and introduction of nutritionally adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at 6 months together with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond. Infant feeding practices are integral parts of culturally-based feeding beliefs influencing how individual mothers in various ethnic groups make decisions, socialize in it.

The population in this study are mothers having babies of age group 6 months to 24 months living in urban settlement of Pokhara -5. A cross-sectional study was conducted through descriptive research design among 112 study population. Due to covid pandemic, home visit became quite difficult. So mothers visiting Urban Health centre Pokhara 5 for immunization of babies were purposively & accidentally selected. For primary data collection structured questionnaire and interview checklist was used.

The findings of the study showed that most of the mothers were Brahmins by ethnicity. They were of age group 21-34years. Respondents were home-makers, educated to secondary level. Exclusive breastfeeding till 6 months was not adequately practiced by mothers as it is only 63.39 percent of study population. 55.35 percent of the mothers practiced weaning at 6 months. While solid foods were introduced first between 6 months to 8 months. It was mother herself who was responsible for baby feeding most of the times. Selection of locally available food items by mothers showed, most babies were provided with Jaulo, lito, cerelac, fruit puree, potato, rice pudding, cereals etc. Commercial foods like biscuits, chips, cheese balls etc are almost equally served as locally available foods. New mother’s socialize on baby feeding through their mother’s suggestions (23.21%) and mother-in laws advices (17.8%). Second and third time mothers from their own past experiences. Mother also learn about selection of food items, preparation through social medias like You tube, facebook, tiktok etc. Mothers also consider Health professionals as source of information. Traditional beliefs like Hot and cold food items is prevalent among half of the study population. Beliefs on evil eyes and sukenas is also deep rooted. Beliefs like weaning using ‘mainas beak’ help child speak faster was found in Rai family and tasting alcohol to baby by eldest member of family among Gurung culture were unique.