The nutrition patterns of infants born in province of Malatya at first year

THE NUTRITION PATTERNS OF INFANTS BORN IN PROVINCE OF MALATYA AT FIRST YEAR Introduction and the aim of the study: The first 1000 days period is of importance paramount because the basis of life is established at that time. An optimal nutrition is necessary in this period for healthy infancy, childhood and adulthood. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the nutritional features of infants born in Malatya province. Patients and Method: The mature and healthy 186 infants, who were born at Inonu University Turgut Ozal Medical Center Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Service between January 2013- January 2014 and their mothers were recruited into the study. The information was obtained prospectively by making contact with the mothers by telephone on a regular basis for every month within 1 year. Results: While 33 (17.7%) mothers were informed about breast milk previously, 153 (82.3%) mothers were not. Caesarean section rate was %73.7. The infants involved in our study received breast milk for an average of 9.81±3.92 months. While the breastfeeding rate was 93% at the first month, this rate was decreased to 70.4 % at 12 month. As the rate of exclusively breastfeding at the first month was 81%, this rate was diminished to 40.8 %. The formula milk was given in 49.6% of infants. The reason for initiating formula milk was the perceived insufficiency of breast milk with a 50% rate. Of infants %90.9 were introduced complementary food at the right time. Discussion: Although our hospital was a baby-friendly university hospital, the rate of breastfeeding counseling was low. While the proportion of any breastfeeding at first year was high, the rate for maintaning breastfeeding during the first year and the rate of exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months was lower. In our study, the majority of mothers introduced complementary food at the right time. Key words: Infant nutrition, breast milk, complementary food.