Author(s): Jyoti Pant and Lotika Amit

Abstract:
Breastfeeding is an essential practice for infant to protect their health. The clothing plays an important role for feeding infants in public places. In the present study, to know the effect of socio demographic variables on clothing practices of lactating women. The interview schedule was prepared for collection of data from 360 lactating women of Haldwani (Nainital), Uttarakhand. The survey method was used, for collection of information regarding clothing practices of breastfeeding women. The data was analysed through IBM SPSS software by using ANOVA, t-test and chi square test. It was found from the results that the most of the lactating women used to wear Kurti with plazzo, salwar and legging in public places whereas maxi at home. Price, fit, comfort and quality are the most influential factors for purchasing of garments during lactation. It was also observed from ANOVA results that family’s income, educational qualification, and family’s occupation has significant influence on purchasing factors of clothes during lactation. T-test reported that there were significant difference in working and housewife lactating women’s clothing practices. On the other side, age and family type has not influence the clothing purchase of lactating women.