Abstract
Objective: To evaluate causes of lactation failure in children less than six months of age with severe acute malnutrition. Study Design: A cross section at descriptive study. Place and Duration: 1 st January 2015 to 1st June 2015 at Nutritional Stabilization Center for Malnourished Children, Children Hospital Complex and Institute of Child Health Multan. Methodology: Malnourished children both male and females, that were not receiving exclusive breastfeeding or was on top feeding were included in this study. Mothers were questioned regarding feeding practices of their child, whether the child was breastfed or on top feed, reasons for introducing top feed, neonatal admission and maternal perception of milk production and myths regarding breast feeding and their answers were recorded. Results: Total 100 children were enrolled for study out of which only 20% babies were partially breastfed and 80% were totally bottle fed. The commonest cause of lactation failure was baby’s hospital admission at the time of birth due to Neonatal illness (45%) followed by maternal perception of insufficient milk production (40%). Among these, 45% babies were delivered in home while 55% were born via hospital deliveries. Almost 85% of the mothers were illiterate. Conclusion: The neonatal admissions, morbidity rates and lack of education to mothers regarding breastfeeding are contributing factors in the lactation failure.

Saadia Khan, Tariq Aziz, Umme-Ammara, Kamran Ishfaq, Reema Arshad. (2019) A study of causes of lactation failure in children under six months of age with severe acute malnutrition, Isra Medical Journal, Volume 11, Issue 1.
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