Abstract

To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of contraception among breast-feeding mothers. Emphasize on them the benefits of breast-feeding as a contraceptive method. To find out the prevailing contraceptive practices among breast- feeding mothers. To find out which contraceptive method is acceptable to most breast- feeding mothers. To get a positive change in attitude of women regarding contraceptive use. Methods: The Observational study consisting of 400 post-natal breastfeeding mothers, from January 2021 to October 2022 including the follow up period at Post-natal and post-caesarean wards in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department in MGMH, Petlaburj. Results: In the study only 32% mothers practiced one of the modern methods of contraception during breast feeding. 24% mothers used condoms as a contraceptive method 5.75% mothers practiced Copper-T as a contraceptive. whereas oral contraceptives use was third followed by Depo-Provera. Regarding natural methods of contraception, exclusive breast feeding was practiced by all mothers at 1st month and by 12.25% mothers at 10th month. About 99.5% of the study population practiced sexual abstinence as a contraceptive method in 1st month after delivery but the frequency fell to 13% by the end of one year. Conclusion: The study shows that the knowledge, attitude and practices of contraception among breast feeding mothers is highly inadequate with most mothers still practicing natural methods of contraception such as sexual abstinence. They have a false perception regarding various contraceptive methods and their use. Proper education and counseling of these mothers during antenatal and postnatal period will help in a long way in preventing unwanted pregnancies and its complications.

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