Background of the study: Breastfeeding is the most natural and complete source of nutrition for infants, providing essential nutrients, and health benefits for both mother and child. It not only fulfills the infant’s nutritional requirements but also plays a crucial role in enhancing immunity, promoting healthy growth, and fostering maternal–infant bonding. The World Health Organization recommends early initiation within one hour of birth, colostrum feeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and continued breastfeeding for two years or longer. Despite its benefits, optimal and appropriate duration are critical indicators of optimal infant feeding practices. Despite its benefits, optimal breastfeeding practices are influenced by socio-demographic, cultural, and healthcare-related factors, particularly in rural communities. Aim of the Study: To assess breastfeeding practices among mothers and to find the association between these practices and selected demographic factors Methodology: A descriptive study was carried out among 70 breastfeeding mothers in Thuha village, Rajpura, District Patiala, Punjab, Participants were selected using convenient sampling technique. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Findings of the study revealed that (65.7%) initiated breastfeeding within one hour of birth and (71.4%) practiced exclusive breastfeeding for six months. Most (90%) believed that breast milk was sufficient for the first six months, and 80% showed good practices. The mean practice score was 14.24 ± 1.82. Only (10%) had attended health education sessions, and (31.4%) faced breastfeeding-related problems such as latching problems, nipple soreness, or insufficient milk perception. Significant associations were found between practices and maternal age, education, family type, and place of delivery (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Most rural mothers practiced breastfeeding, yet many lacked full knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding and correct techniques. Recommendation: Integrating targeted breastfeeding education into antenatal and postnatal care, strengthening community-based awareness campaigns, and empowering healthcare workers to provide hands-on guidance could improve exclusive breastfeeding rates and support mothers in overcoming breastfeeding challenges.
Breastfeeding, Exclusive breastfeeding, Infant feeding, Rural mothers, Health education.
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