© Kamla-Raj 2004                                                                               J. Hum. Ecol., 16(1): 29-32 (2004)

Factors Affecting Infant Feeding Practices Among Women of Baijnath Block of Himachal Pradesh

KEYWORDS Breastfeeding. feeding practices. post-natal. pre-lacteal feeding. top feeding. weaning.

ABSTRACT Feeding practices refer generally to meet nutritional and immunological needs of the baby at different stages of child growth. A study of feeding practices was carried out on a sample of 100 infants in the age group of 5 months to 2 years. The results have revealed that factors like income level and caste of the family, had direct bearing on these practices. Caste was found to have direct impact on foods avoided during lactation and post-natal practices. Use of commercial foods and pre-lacteal feeding given to infants was greatly influenced by the income of the family. Top feeding practices were also having significant association with monthly family income. Health status of lactating mothers, malnourishment and environmental insanitation in the area of child care directly affected the feeding practices in Baijnath block of Himachal Pradesh.

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