Table 2 Distribution of responses pertaining to breastfeeding and
weaning practices (of the concerned child) (N = 285).
Variable N %
Exclusive breastfeeding (undefined period)
Yes 227 79Æ6
No 58 20Æ4
Duration of exclusive breastfeeding (months)
Less than 4 189 66Æ3
From 4–6 81 28Æ4
More than 7 15 5Æ3
Age at weaning (months)
Less than 6 33 11Æ6
From 7–12 89 31Æ2
More than 13 163 57Æ2
Mean 13Æ5 Median 14
Reasons for stopping breastfeeding
Pregnancy 122 42Æ8
Improving child feeding 50 17Æ5
The child is more than 18 months 38 13Æ3
Baby wean him/herself 32 11Æ2
Mothers’ comfort 24 8Æ4
Mothers’ illness 10 3Æ5
Social pressure 8 2Æ8
Doctors’ advice 1 0Æ4
Weaning approach
Sudden 252 88Æ4
Gradual 33 11Æ6
Reasons for choosing the weaning approach
Pregnancy 118 41Æ4
Improving the child health 87 30Æ5
Mothers’ comfort 60 21Æ1
Others 17 6
Doctors’ advices 3 1Æ1
Decision to stop breastfeeding (one choice)
Mother 145 50Æ9
Mother in law 89 31Æ2
Husband 28 9Æ8
Physicians order 11 3Æ9
Child refusal to breastfeed 10 3Æ5
Child’s grandmother(maternal) 2 0Æ7
The usage of traditional methods
Yes 186 65Æ3
No 99 34Æ7
Type of used traditional methods (N = 285) – more than one type is
possible
Putting substance with bad taste 113 39Æ6
Using breastfeeding alternatives 42 14Æ7
Isolation 35 12Æ3
Putting red substances on nipples 32 11Æ2
Putting coffee on nipples 25 8Æ8
Using alternative breast 24 8Æ4
Using drugs 22 7Æ7