IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science (IOSR-JNHS) e-ISSN: 2320–1959.p- ISSN: 2320–1940 Volume 9, Issue 3 Ser. V (May - June 2020), PP 57-59 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/1959-0903055759 www.iosrjournals.org 57 | Page Assess The Knowledge of Mothers Regarding Complementary Feeding of Infant Selected Hospital, Bhubaneswar. S.Bhaktiswarupa 1 Debasmita Mohapatra 2 1 Faculty of Nursing ,(Kalinga Institue of Nursing Sciences,KIIT Deemed to be University,Odisha,India ) 2 Faculty of Nursing (Kalinga Institue of Nursing Sciences,KIIT Deemed to be University,Odisha,India) Abstract Background: Complementary feeding of an infant is a common cultural practice commenced at the age of 6moths which plays vital role in the child’s milestone for growth and development. The right practice of weaning is necessary to prevent from various health related complications like allergy, diarrhea and choking furthermore delayed weaning may result in nutritional deficiency, protein energy malnutrition and, childhood illness, developmental delay stunting and sometimes even death. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive quantitative study by using a modified self structured questionnaire 50 mothers knowledge assessed regarding complementary feeding through the interview. . The questionnaire contains about from which sources the person gains information , the level of knowledge regarding complementary feeding. Results: The results showed that 3.33% mother has poor, 66.67% has average knowledge and 30% has good knowledge regarding complementary feeding. Conclusion: Weaning is the process of gradually introducing an infant mammal to what will be its adult diet and withdrawing the supply of its mother's milk. A descriptive study was done to assess the knowledge of the mothers regarding complementary feeding. The results showed that maximum numbers of mothers has average knowledge (66.67%)and minimum numbers has poor knowledge (3.33%). Key Word: Knowledge, Complementary Feeding, Mothers, Infants -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date of Submission: 21-05-2020 Date of Acceptance: 08-06-2020 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Introduction The period from birth to 2 years of age is a “critical window” for the promotion of optimal growth, health and cognitive development. Complementary feeding is defined as the introduction of foods other than breast milk into an infant‟s diet, while slowly reducing breast feeding. Exclusive breast feeding for the first 6 months is the WHO‟s recommended method for full term infants by healthy, well nourished mothers.Complementary feeding is to commence then onwards. Breast feeding should also be prolonged, up to 2 years as recommended by WHO &UNICEF.It is usually observed that significant emphasis is placed by the mothers on the beginning of the weaning period, but there are no added physiological ,psychological ,economic or nutritional advantages of early weaning. 2 It is therefore necessary to introduce more concentrated energy dense nutritional supplements at this age. Infants also require iron supplements after the age of six months to prevent iron deficiency anemia. 1 The concept of the word „‟weaning‟‟ has now changed to complementary feeding for the simple reason that, with the introduction of other nutritious food, breast feeding needs to continue in the babies for a period of two years. As per the UNICEF, „‟ Weaning „‟ is defined as the „‟ the systemic process of introduction of suitable food at the right time in addition t o mother‟s milk in order to provide needed nutrients to the baby‟‟. The literal meaning of the term „‟weaning‟‟ is make free from the habit of breastfeeding or take the baby away from the breast and nourish by other means. 3 II. Material And Methods The quantitative, descriptive research design was carried out among mother in Pediatric OPD at Pradyumna Bal Memorial Hospital Bhubaneswar, Odisha.A total 50 mothers were taken as sample for the study. Study Design: Non-experimental descriptive research design. Study Location: The study was a tertiary care teaching hospital based study done in Pediatric OPD Pradyumna Bal Memorial Hospital ,Bhubaneswar in Odisha Study Duration: January 2018 –March 2018 Sample size: 50 mothers.