A Review Article : Myths, Beliefs and Malpractices Relating to Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding Practices

Feeding practices of infants and children have been the prime concern in all countries. Myths and fallacies have existed ever since societies began. Misconceptions about current breast feeding, weaning and other health-related matters are commonly heard in the cultures of developing countries. The pattern of feeding during the first two years of life is increasingly recognised as important determinants of malnutrition. Breastfed children have at least six times greater chance of survival in the early months than non-breast children. The benefits of breastfeeding depend upon the initiation of breast-feeding, its duration and the age at which the child is weaned. Various myths regarding breastfeeding are like colostrum should not be given to children, mother should not breastfeed if suffering from an infection, infants need water also apart from breastmilk, etc. The National Family Health Survey III data released in India in 2005-06 has revealed that only 23.4% newborns in India are given breast milk within first hour of birth.The aim of this study was to review the literature regarding myths, beliefs and practices relating to breastfeeding and complementary feeding in infants.