Suboptimal Infant & Young Child Feeding Practices-Integrating Maternal Education and Counselling in Continuum of Care

Prerana Anjan H, Manjunatha R

Abstract: Introduction: Globally, Faulty or Sub-optimal infant and young child feeding practices remain a primary driver of the significant burden of under-nutrition and stunted growth, prevalence of suboptimal complementary feeding remains alarmingly high across various demographic cohorts of the World. Methodology: This cross-sectional analytical framework, utilising secondary data analysis specifically examines the persistence of minimum dietary diversity failure, evaluating how individual-level socioeconomic markers contribute to this concern and importance of Maternal Education & ANC and PNC counselling in addressing this burden. Results: Nutritional inadequacies are further compounded by cultural norms and deep-seated socioeconomic disparities that impede the consistent delivery of the minimum acceptable diet. Such limited dietary variety is frequently driven by economic constraints, as many households are unable to afford diverse, nutrient-dense food options. Cultural beliefs and deeply ingrained dietary taboos often impede the early introduction of diverse complementary foods, necessitating community-based counselling that respects local traditions while promoting scientifically sound feeding standards. Integrating Maternal Education and counselling within routine antenatal and postnatal care visits ensures that mothers receive timely, evidence-based guidance that can effectively navigate these cultural barriers. Conclusions: Integrating maternal education with infant and young child feeding counselling throughout the antenatal and postnatal continuum is vital to counteract the double burden of malnutrition. Systematic efforts must be directed towards replacing pervasive harmful habits- such as the administration of prelacteal feeds and the premature use of bottle-feeding-with standardized, age-appropriate complementary feeding protocols.

Keywords: Child feeding practices, Maternal Education, Counselling, Complementary foods, and Malnutrion

How to Cite?: Prerana Anjan H, Manjunatha R, "Suboptimal Infant & Young Child Feeding Practices-Integrating Maternal Education and Counselling in Continuum of Care", Volume 15 Issue 3, March 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1049-1054, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26317223511, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26317223511

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