Bangladesh 1993-1994 Demographic and Health ... - Measure DHS

An important dimension related to breastfeeding is the timing of its initiation. Early initiation ofbreastfeeding is beneficial for mothers and children. From the mother's perspective, early suckling stimulatesthe release of a hormone that helps the uterus to contract. From the child's perspective, the first breast milk(colostrum) is important, since it is rich in antibodies. In Bangladesh, although almost all babies are breastfedat some time, only 9 percent are put to the breast within one hour of birth and less than half (48 percent) ofchildren are put to the breast within the first day of life. Delayed initiation of breastfeeding was also foundin the Matlab study area, where only 60 percent of children bom in the comparison area were given colostrum(ICDDR,B, 1994:7). Late initiation ofbreastfeeding is apparently widespread. Infants born to mothers withsome secondary education, those bom in Chittagong Division, and those bom in a health facility have aslightly greater chance of receiving breast milk within the first day of life.Timing of Introduction of Supplementary FoodsThe timing of introduction of supplementary foods in addition to breast milk has importantimplications for the child and the mother. Breast milk is uncontaminated and contains all the nutrients neededby children in the first few months of life. In addition, it provides some immunity to disease through themother's antibodies. Early supplementation, especially under unhygienic conditions, can result in infectionwith foreign organisms and lower immunity to disease. The timing of introduction of food supplements alsohas an impact on the length of the mother's postpartum amenorrhea. Early initiation of supplementationresults in earlier resumption of the mother's menstrual periods, since supplementation reduces infants'dependence on breast milk and the frequency of suckling.Mothers were asked about the current breastfeeding status of all last-born children under age threeand, if the child was being breastfed, whether various types of liquid or solid foods had been given to thechild "yesterday" or "last night." Children who are exclusively breastfed are defined as receiving breast milkonly, while full breastfeeding is defined as receiving breast milk and plain water only.Table 8.13 Breastfeeding statusPercent distribution of living children by breastfeeding status, according to child's age inmonths, Bangladesh 1993-94Percentage of living children who are:[treastfeeding and:NumberNot Exclusively Plain ofbreast- breast- water Supple- livingAge in months feeding fed only ments Total children