ASSESSMENT OF THE BREASTFEEDING SITUATION IN SOME DISTRICTS OF TASHKENT

Аннотация

Aim: To assess the adherence to breastfeeding promotion policies for infants under 6 months of age in two districts of Tashkent. Material and Methods: A survey was conducted among 181 mothers in the Uchtepa and Yangikhayot districts of Tashkent, who had given birth to full-term, practically healthy infants, all of whom were under 6 months old at the time of the study. The questionnaire included questions regarding the current age of the child, the maternity care facility where the birth took place, the method of delivery, the timing of the first breastfeeding, whether breastfeeding counseling was provided by the maternity hospital staff, whether alternative feeding methods ( formula) were offered, the current type of feeding, and whether the mother was informed about the benefits of breastfeeding. Results: Early breastfeeding initiation was conducted in 75.5% of natural births, while only 11.7% of cesarean deliveries facilitated early breastfeeding. Breastfeeding counseling was provided in 93.1% of cases within the maternity hospitals. Alternative feeding methods were suggested to 19.6% of mothers. The proportion of children under 6 months who were exclusively breastfed was 79.6%, mixed-fed 17.5%, and formula-fed 2.8%.