Background
More than 15% of 24 lakh child deaths could be averted in India by optimal breastfeeding practices. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) can prevent most of the deaths in this population and the infants can have superior developmental outcomes lasting into adult life. We assessed the completeness of basic knowledge of breastfeeding and kangaroo mother care in general practitioners in Anand district of Gujarat.
Methodology:
We approached 180 doctors in and around the Anand who are either allopathic, homeopathic or ayurvedic practitioners of healthcare. They filled out a survey questionnaire which asked them to provide answers related to breastfeeding and kangaroo mother care. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics.
Result 
158 doctors responded (41 MBBS, 85 BHMS, and 32 BAMS). 69% believed breastfeeding should be started as soon as possible with 91% believed colostrums is good for the baby. 72% believe breastfeeding is not enough and animal milk, water, honey, and other fluids to be given. Only 56 % believe breastfeeding is exclusively given for 6 months. 40% believe formula feed is more convenient than breastfeeding. 9% knew all signs of good attachment and 12 % knew all signs of good positioning. 78% believe breastfeeding should be avoided when mother the is sick and 68% believe it is to be omitted when baby is sick. Only 21% knew about KMC.
Conclusion
There is a wide gap in the knowledge fund of general practitioners. Interventions need to be designed to get them up to speed so that the infants provided care by them get the best care.

WOULD GENERAL PRACTITIONERS PROVIDE CORRECT INFORMATION TO MOTHERS AND FATHERS OF INFANTS? AN ASSESSMENT OF THE KNOWLEDGE BASE RELATED TO BREASTFEEDING AND KANGAROO MOTHER CARE