Breastfeeding Practices and Infant Development During the First Six Months of Life, New Cairo City

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is the optimal way of providing ideal food for the health, growth and development of infants while simultaneously benefiting the lactating mothers. Exclusive breastfeeding should be the norm from birth until 6 months of age. Aim and methods: In this study, a sample of 100 mothers whose infants were in the first 6 months of life have been collected from attendants of primary health care center in New Cairo City to describe breastfeeding practice and to find out the relationship between infant development and breastfeeding practice in the first 6 months of life. Results: It was found that the breastfeeding practice was not satisfactory (only 69% was correct) and infant development was better among mothers who correctly fed their infants i.e. proper feeding practices during infancy are essential for attaining and maintaining proper nutrition, health and development of the infant. Key words: Breastfeeding practices – six months – infant development