srjcmsSRJCMSSRJCMS2788-885110.47310/srjcms.2025.v05i01.014Knowledge of Breast Feeding and Complement Feeding among Pregnant Women of District Solan Himachal PradeshBackground: Optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices are critical for infant survival, nutrition, and development. Despite clear World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, significant knowledge gaps and misconceptions persist among mothers, particularly in diverse socio-cultural settings like rural India. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge of breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices among pregnant women in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, identify knowledge gaps, and explore the influence of socio-demographic factors. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, online survey was conducted from January to March 2025 among 400 pregnant women residing in Solan district. Participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling via online antenatal forums and healthcare platforms. A pre-validated bilingual questionnaire assessed socio-demographic information, knowledge regarding breastfeeding and complementary feeding, and sources of information. Knowledge scores were categorized into very good (≥80%), good (60-79%), fair (41-59%), and poor (<40%) levels. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 with descriptive statistics to summarize findings. Results: Of the 400 respondents, the majority (41.0%) were aged 26-30 years, with 65.0% residing in rural areas. Most were in their second (38.0%) or third (38.0%) trimester, and 47.0% were primiparous. Regarding knowledge, 82.0% knew breastfeeding should start within one hour of birth, and 79.0% recognized six months as the exclusive breastfeeding period. Awareness about colostrum benefits (77.3%) and breastfeeding’s role in infection prevention (81.0%) was strong; however, fewer participants demonstrated correct knowledge regarding iron-rich complementary foods (67.0%) and the maternal health benefits of breastfeeding (63.3%). Overall, 31.0% of participants had very good knowledge, 43.0% had good knowledge, 19.0% had fair knowledge, and 7.0% had poor knowledge, indicating the need for intensified antenatal educational efforts. Conclusion: While baseline knowledge regarding breastfeeding and complementary feeding among pregnant women in Solan is encouraging, significant gaps persist, especially in nuanced areas such as complementary feeding timing, nutrient adequacy, and breastfeeding during maternal illness. Strengthening antenatal counseling, addressing cultural misconceptions, and promoting structured community-based education initiatives are essential to improving infant feeding practices and maternal-child health outcomes in the region.