Are breastfeeding promotion messages influencing mothers in Bangladesh? Results from an urban survey in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Haider, R.; Kabir, I.; Ashworth, A.
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics 45(5): 315-318
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0142-6338 PMID: 10584482 Document Number: 213744
Despite the launching of a national breast feeding promotion campaign in Bangladesh in 1989, exclusive breast feeding rates remain low. To understand mothers' perceptions of the campaign messages and the reasons for current practices, a random sample of 1100 lower middle class mothers in Dhaka, with infants aged 0-6 months, were interviewed in 1995. Although 99% of mothers fed colostrum within 3 days of delivery, 92% also gave >=1 traditional prelacteals, and 68% gave postlacteals. This could be due to ambiguity of the message, which simply advocated giving colostrum without indicating its exclusive use, thereby appearing compatible with traditional perceptions that colostrum alone is insufficient. 99% of mothers reported hearing the breast feeding messages or receiving advice, and 97% stated that they understood the meaning of exclusive breast feeding. This concept was not correctly understood as many thought it meant feeding human milk and water. The prevalence of exclusive breast feeding was 15%, and complementary foods were introduced early (median 30 days). Many mothers doubted the message that human milk alone is sufficient for 5 months. It is concluded that nutrition programmes to promote improved breast feeding practices in Bangladesh need to be revised to clear misconceptions.