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
Original Article
English
P. 101-108