Barriers to exclusive breastfeeding encountered by mothers in and around Raichur district

Abstract

Background:  Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is the ideal method of infant feeding during the first six months of life, providing optimal nutrition, immune protection, and support for infant growth and development. However, its practice remains suboptimal due to multiple maternal, socio-cultural, occupational, and healthcare-related barriers. Objectives were to assess the prevalence of EBF and identify barriers influencing its practice among mothers in and around Raichur district.

Methods: This community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over 12 months among 225 mothers with children aged less than 2 years. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic details, obstetric and infant characteristics, breastfeeding practices, and barriers to EBF.

Results: The prevalence of EBF was 57.8%. Early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour was reported by 46.2% of mothers, and colostrum feeding was practiced by 69.3%. The most common barriers were lack of counselling (45.3%), inadequate knowledge (36.9%), poor family support (35.1%), perceived inadequate milk production (32.4%), and cultural practices (32.0%). EBF was significantly associated with maternal occupation, antenatal care visits, mode of delivery, prelacteal feeding, bottle feeding, pacifier use, and cultural practices.

Conclusions: EBF prevalence was moderate but below the recommended universal target. Modifiable factors such as inadequate counselling, maternal employment, cesarean delivery, prelacteal feeding, bottle feeding, pacifier use, and cultural practices negatively influenced EBF. Strengthening antenatal and postnatal counselling, improving family support, and addressing harmful traditional feeding practices are essential to improve EBF rates.