Jemds.com Original Research Article J. Evolution Med. Dent. Sci./eISSN- 2278-4802, pISSN- 2278-4748/ Vol. 6/ Issue 13/ Feb. 13, 2017 Page 1025 EFFECT OF ANTENATAL LACTATION COUNSELLING AND POSTNATAL LACTATION SUPPORT IN IMPROVING BREASTFEEDING INITIATION RATES AND EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING IN LESS EDUCATED MOTHERS OF RURAL AREA OF CHANDU- BUDHERA Satya Kiran Kapur 1 , Yamini 2 , Harish Gupta 3 , Pawan Kumar 4 1 Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, SGT University, Budhera, Gurugram, Haryana. 2 Professor and HOD, Department of Surgery, SHKM Government Medical College, Nalhar, Nuh, Haryana. 3 Senior Resident, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, SGT University, Budhera, Gurugram, Haryana. 4 Junior Resident, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, SGT University, Budhera, Gurugram, Haryana. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Human breast milk is the best source of nourishment for the human infants. Breastfeeding promotes health and helps to prevent disease. Antenatal lactation counselling and postnatal lactation support have an impact in initiation of breastfeeding immediately after birth and in practicing exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months of infant ’s life. The objective of this study is to study the impact of antenatal lactation counselling and postnatal lactation support to mothers of newborns in improving breastfeeding initiation rates and continuation of exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months of infant ’s life as compared to mothers of newborns not provided such counselling. MATERIALS AND METHODS For 4 months, 151 mothers of newborns received the usual verbal advice for breastfeeding from hospital staff (Control group). For another 4 months, 155 mothers of newborns received proper antenatal lactation counselling and postnatal lactation support by Paediatric residents and nursing staff trained in lactation counselling (Intervention group). RESULTS 95% of counselled mothers (Intervention group) initiated breastfeeding immediately after birth in comparison to 78% of non- counselled mothers (Control group). Similarly, 87% of counselled mothers (Intervention group) practiced exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months of infant’s life in comparison to 19% of non-counselled mothers (Control group). CONCLUSION Antenatal lactation counselling and postnatal lactation support help in improving initiation of breastfeeding immediately after birth and practicing exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months of infant ’s life. KEYWORDS Antenatal Lactation Counselling, Postnatal Lactation Support, Exclusive Breastfeeding, Infant. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Kapur SK, Yamini, Gupta H, et al. Effect of antenatal lactation counselling and postnatal lactation support in improving breastfeeding initiation rates and exclusive breastfeeding in less educated mothers of rural area of Chandu- Budhera. J. Evolution Med. Dent. Sci. 2017;6(13):1025-1027, DOI: 10.14260/Jemds/2017/219 BACKGROUND Breastfeeding remains the superior form of infant nutriture. [1] The ability to counsel breastfeeding women and a multi-prong approach significantly impact her success in breastfeeding her infant. [2,3,4,5] Results show that all forms of extra support showed an increase in the length of time women continued to breast feed. Human breast milk is the best source of nourishment for human infants. Breastfeeding promotes health, helps to prevent disease and reduces healthcare and feeding costs. The benefits of prolonged breastfeeding for mother and infant health are documented in vast scientific literature. [6] Financial or Other, Competing Interest: None. Submission 06-01-2017, Peer Review 01-02-2017, Acceptance 06-02-2017, Published 09-02-2017. Corresponding Author: Dr. Satya Kiran Kapur, #H-40, First Floor, Residency Greens, (Opposite Unitech Cyber Park), Sector 46, Gurugram (Gurgaon)-122003, Haryana. E-mail: kapoorsatyakiran@gmail.com DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2017/219 The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of infant ’s life, continuing to 1 year with the addition of complementary foods at 6 months of age. [7] Exclusive breastfeeding is the most natural and scientific way of feeding the infant in the first 6 months of life. Breastfeeding can contribute to the reduction of mortality and morbidity. [8] Many mothers in reality do not practice exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of infant’s life and the main reasons for discontinuing breastfeeding are - A lack of confidence in their ability to breastfeed, [9,10] breast pain or soreness, perceptions of insufficient milk supply for infant, problems with the infant’s suckling or a lack of encouragement from the hospital staff. Antenatal breastfeeding education and postnatal lactation support provided by the hospital staff (properly trained doctors, nursing staff) improve rates of exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months after delivery. [11] Successful breastfeeding depends on the healthcare provider’s knowledge of the mechanics of breastfeeding, the evaluation of successful lactation and the interventions required if difficulties develop.