Abstract

Context: Migration to urban areas, especially within the informal workforce, is often driven by the pursuit of better economic prospects, with many women among these migrants. Such transitions can influence health determinants, sometimes negatively impacting the well-being of migrant mothers and their children. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is a highly effective intervention that can alleviate critical public health issues, including reducing rates of infant mortality, malnutrition, and chronic diseases in later life. Aims: This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to exclusive breastfeeding among lactating migrant mothers and examines associated variables within Pune’s informal sector. Settings and Design: Using purposive sampling, data was collected from various locations across Pune between March and April 2023. Participants were lactating migrant mothers engaged in informal work sectors. Information was gathered through a questionnaire, recorded in Excel, and analyzed for coding. Statistical Analysis: Analyses included Frequency, Percentages, and Pearson Correlation. Results: Among participants, 72% had moved to Pune for family reasons, including marriage, while others migrated for work. Half of the mothers identified breast milk as the primary food for a newborn and viewed EBF as beneficial for their child. A practice rate of 68.9% for exclusive breastfeeding over six months was observed. Conclusions: The study found a significant number of mothers practicing pre-lacteal feeding, and more than half did not start breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. However, a substantial proportion of mothers administered colostrum to their infants, often upon recommendations from doctors or other healthcare providers, despite some cultural reservations about its benefits.

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