Prolonged breast-feeding and malnutrition among rural Indian children below 3 years of age.
Long periods of exclusive as well as partial breast-feeding in poor communities are of considerable importance from a nutritional standpoint, as it is in these communities that malnutrition is predominant. Although benefits of exclusive breast feeding have been well documented, those for partial breast-feeding have not been examined. The present study in particular examines the effects of prolonged breast-feeding, i.e. exclusive breast-feeding beyond 6 months or partial breast-feeding up to 2-3 years, in terms of prevalent malnutrition and morbidity among rural children. A total of 395 children were observed for weight, height, information on duration of breast-feeding, age at weaning and morbidity in terms of recent illness in the 7 days prior to the day of visit. Exclusive breast-feeding beyond 6 months and up to 12 months appeared beneficial in terms of reduced morbidity. Beyond infancy, there was no evidence of any protective effect of partial breast-feeding. This could be due to poor lactational performance of mothers and their unawareness about it resulting in inadequate weaning foods being offered to partially breast-fed children. Significant differences in male and female children in the extent of malnutrition pointed towards discrimination against girls even in respect of exclusive breast-feeding. The study highlights the need for advocating proper weaning practices while recommending prolonged breast-feeding in poor communities.
Rao
S
S
Department of Biometry and Nutrition, MACS Research Institute, Pune, India.
Kanade
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AN
D000367:Age Factors; D000886:Anthropometry; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D007228:Infant Nutrition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D009017:Morbidity; D015995:Prevalence; D012424:Rural Population; D012737:Sex Factors; D014886:Weaning