Lactational Performance of Manipuri Women

Abstract

A study was conducted to measure the volume of breast milk output of 26 lactating women and to estimate
the period of its adequacy as the sole food for the infants. Child-mother pairs were selected on voluntary
basis from amongst mothers who delivered in the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, Imphal,
Manipur (India). Daily volume of breast milk output was measured by test weighing method by weighing
the infants before and after each breast feeding in 24 hours period at different stages of lactation.
Daily mean volume of milk output was in the range of 500-550 ml at the 1st month, 590-600 ml at 2-3
months, 520-560 ml at 4 months, 450-500 ml at 5 months, 420 ml at 6 months and 340 ml at 7 months. Period
of adequacy of breast milk for the infant was judged by estimation of the proportion of energy the child is
getting from the mother in term of its energy requirement for its weight. About 60-95% of infants received
less than 80% of energy demand from the mother at 1-3 months of age and 60-80% received less than 60%
of energy requirement after completion of 4 months of age. The present study demonstrated that mother’s
breast milk is adequate as sole for the infants upto 4-5 months of age.

Key Words: Breast milk output, test weighing, adequacy of breast milk, energy demand.