Breast feeding practices in Pakistan
Morisky, D.E.; Kar, S.B.; Chaudhry, A.S.; Chen, K.R.; Shaheen, M.; Chickering, K.
Pakistan Journal of Nutrition 1(3): 137-142
2002
Document Number: 260543
The beneficial effects of breast feeding, both for the mother and child, are well-known. However, there is evidence that breast feeding is on the decline in many developing countries. In 1991-92, a nationwide survey was conducted in Pakistan to collect baseline health information on a variety of maternal and child health issues. Several of the survey questions addressed breast feeding practices. Survey results indicated that fewer mothers breast fed their children, and that mothers who breast fed often supplemented breast milk unnecessarily and/or stopped breast feeding earlier. Undesirable breast feeding practices were found to be associated with urban residence, younger mother's age, and higher educational attainment. Possible explanations for the decline in breast feeding were explored, and implications for the development of more effective breast feeding promotion campaigns were discussed.