Decline in breast feeding practices in urban population of Chandigarh during a decade.

In the urban population of Chandigarh, a city where population growth, a rise in overall literacy and female literacy have occurred, a study of breastfeeding practices was conducted. The study interviewed 694 mothers and was compared against a 1974 study of 350 mothers. Breast milk was perceived as beneficial (nutritious and hygienic) by 53% in the current study up from 3.43% in 1974. The percentage of mothers who ceased breastfeeding after 1 year increased from 28.8% in 1974 to 51.56% in 1984. 50.5% of the mothers in the current study had ceased breastfeeding after the infant was 6 months of age with only 22.4% of the mothers in 1974 stopping after 6 months. Among illiterate mothers, the percentage of those who ceased breast feeding after 6 months rose from 2.7% in 1974 to 86.4% in 1984. A larger percentage of mothers in 1984 (64%) as compared to 24% in 1974 began giving breast milk within the 1st 24 hours after birth. The percentage of mothers seeking doctor's advice also rose from 4.2% to 31%. In general, however, the practice of breast feeding decreased from 89% to 69%. On the positive side, the educational level of most women has increased as has a greater awareness of the benefits of breast milk. However, the survey indicates that more highly educated mothers are breast feeding for a shorter period of time. In addition, the percentage of both educated and illiterate women who have begun to use milk supplements has risen greatly.