@article{Ibrar_Khursheed_Qamar_Masud_Ifthikhar_Gul_2021, title={TABOOS AND MYTHS REGARDING BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES IN PREGNANT POPULATION: Breastfeeding Practices}, volume={71}, url={https://pafmj.org/PAFMJ/article/view/4765}, DOI={10.51253/pafmj.v71i5.4765}, abstractNote={<p><strong>Objective:</strong> To determine the taboos and myths regarding breastfeeding practices in our pregnant population.</p> <p><strong>Study Design:</strong> Cross-sectional study.</p> <p><strong>Place and Duration of Study:</strong> Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from May to Oct 2018.</p> <p><strong>Methodology:</strong> A total of 100 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics were included in the study using non-probability purposive sampling technique. Taboos and myths regarding breast feeding practices were determined using self-administered questionnaire on 2-point Likert scale (1=agree & 2=disagree).</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> A total of 100 pregnant women participated in the study. Mean parity was 2.89 ± 1.75 and gravidity was 4.17 ± 2.04. Most of the mothers (90%) were house wives and received information regarding breast feeding from family members (81%). Mothers were aware of the nutritious value of breast milk as compared to formula milk. However, there were myths that were not evidence based. These include: breasts sag with breast feeding (48%), it is not necessary to breast feed the baby during night time (43%), breast milk alone was not sufficient to satisfy the child (51%), small size breast produce insufficient milk (27%).</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Participants of this study are aware of the importance of breast feeding. However, there are certain taboos and myths prevailing in our population which are not proven scientifically.</p>}, number={5}, journal={Pakistan Armed Forces Medical Journal}, author={Ibrar, Faiza and Khursheed, Naila and Qamar, Saima and Masud, Atikka and Ifthikhar, Bushra and Gul, Seema}, year={2021}, month={Oct.}, pages={1647–50} }