CAUSES OF LACTATION FAILURE IN INFANTS LESS THAN 6 MONTH OF AGE PRESENTING IN OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of partial breast feeding and various causes of lactation failure in infants of age less than 6 months in our local population.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Study Setting: Outpatient Department, Chaudhry Muhammad Akram Teaching & Research Hospital, Lahore.

Study Duration: Five Months (March to 13-July, 2025).

Methodology: A total of 234 infant-mother pairs were enrolled from outpatient department. All infants of either gender aged less than six months presenting with a history of lactation failure were enrolled. Data were collected through structured interviews with mothers, causes of lactation failure were assessed and categorized into maternal physiological factors. Relevant maternal and infant conditions were confirmed through history and physical examination by an unbiased attending physician.

Results: Of 234 cases, male infants (52.6% n = 123), and female infants (47.4% n = 111). About feeding behavior, partial or mixed feeding was found in 62.4 percent (n=146) of the infants, and 37.6 percent (n=88) were strictly bottle-feeding with no breastfeeding. Lack of glandular tissue was found in 48.7 percent of mothers with hormonal imbalance in 29.1. Prior breast surgery was not very common with 6.8% of cases having a history of previous breast surgery. 15.0% of the mothers had advanced maternal age (>40 years) and maternal infections.

Conclusion: Insufficient milk production is the most frequent cause of lactation failure, followed by maternal health and hormonal factors, inadequate breastfeeding practices, lack of proper counseling, and sociocultural influences