International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Manu Devi, Veenu Sangwan and Varsha Rani

abstract
Exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding at the age of six months are positively associated with optimum growth and development. This study was conducted in rural areas of Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Faridabad, Palwal, and Sonipat districts in Haryana to assess the trends of infant feeding practices and their impact on the nutritional status of infants. Three hundred mothers of newborns weighing more than 2.5 Kg were included in the study. Respondents were selected by a purposive random sampling technique through hospital visits, household surveys, and Anganwadi Centres. Weight (kg), height (cm), head circumference (cm), and chest circumference (cm) in infants were measured using the standard methodology given by WHO. Data on dependent and independent variables were collected using a pre-tested, well-structured interview schedule. Results indicated that the majority of the respondents (56.6%) had stopped exclusive breastfeeding after 6 months of age and started supplementary food at an early age of 5 months. Lack of sufficient milk production, shift to complementary feeding, sore and cracked nipples, and returning back to work were found to be the major reasons behind the discontinuity of exclusive breastfeeding. Further, results indicated that the length, chest circumference, and head circumference of male infants were found to be 46.46 cm, 2.51 cm, and 32.42 cm, respectively. Whereas, the same in female infants were found to be 46.85 cm, 32.11 cm, and 31.97 cm, respectively. Both exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding at the age of 6 months were found to influence the infants' weight, height, and head circumference positively.