Challenges and Patterns of Complementary Feeding for Women in Employment: A Qualitative Study from Rural India

Timely initiation of complementary feeding and pattern of complementary feeding is suboptimal in India. Women in employment faces challenges for following optimum Infant and Young Child Feeding practices, which have a significant impact on growth and development of child under 2 years of age. Objective was to study challenges faced by women in employment for complementary feeding and pattern of complementary feeding in rural area. Qualitative study was conducted in rural area of Wardha district, India. Six FGDs were conducted and participants (total 39) were women in employment having child between 6-23 months and community level service providers. Women in rural area resume work early, could not practice exclusive breast feeding for six months. They initiate complementary feeding early and had inadequate awareness regarding complementary feeding. Women initiate semisolid and soft food at 4-6 months, smashed solid food at 7-9 months. Women leave their babies at mercy of the elders or sometime neighbours when they are at work. Villages do not have child care facilities or creches. All these determinants compromises complementary feeding with regards to timely and adequacy, recommended dietary diversity, safe feeding. Challenges for practicing exclusive breast feeding for 6 month, early initiation and inadequate complementary feeding adversely affect growth and development of children in rural area which may have undesired long term implication on the cognitive development. Strengthening Anganwadi program in India with more focus on children under 2 years, community baby care rooms / creches services would be useful strategy for supporting the women in employment to practice the optimum IYCF recommendations. India needs a conducive workplace policies and adequate protection by law for women in employment.