Study to explore the facilitators and barriers of infant and young children feeding (IYCF) practices among mothers of infants and young children attending referral centres - A MMR

Ideal infant and young children feeding, (IYCF) includes initiation of breastfeeding within half an hour to one hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for six months of birth. The Government is spending huge amount of time and sources towards improving the health of mother and children still the mothers are not aware of importance of IYCF practices. The aim of the study was to explore the facilitators and barriers of IYCF practices among mothers of infants and young children attending urban and rural Health centers at Madurai. The majority of the mothers (86.6%) had inadequate level of feeding practices. In the qualitative phase the researcher noted facilitators and barriers. The facilitators were appropriate ante natal health check-ups, institutional deliveries etc Regarding the barriers influence of social media, economic crisis, cultural barriers etc. the researcher concluded that still continuous step to be taken by VHN in the health centres to promote IYCF practices.