Table 1.

Focus group participants and areas explored

Type of participants	Number of FGDs	Number of participants	Union councils	Themes explored
Lactating mothers	9	79	Hala-2, Karam Khan Nizamani, Old Hala, Matiari, Shah Alam Shah Ji Wasi, Sekhat, Shah Mir Rahu, Bhalidino Kaka, Zairpir	Perceptions about most appropriate diet for children aged less than six months Importance of breast milk and feeding practices for children aged less than six months Decision making about the first diet of baby Alternatives being used along with breastfeeding Barriers faced for EBF Facilitators for EBF
Spouses	9	90	Hala-2, Karam Khan Nizamani, Old Hala, Matiari, Shah Alam Shah Ji Wasi, Sekhat, Shah Mir Rahu, Bhalidino Kaka, Zairpir	Perceptions about most appropriate diet for children aged less than six months Importance of breast milk and feeding practices for children aged less than six months Decision making about the first diet of baby Barriers faced for EBF Facilitators for EBF Challenges faced to acquire balanced diet for lactating mothers
Mothers-in-law	9	77	Hala-2, Karam Khan Nizamani, Old Hala, Matiari, Shah Alam Shah Ji Wasi, Sekhat, Shah Mir Rahu, Bhalidino Kaka, Zairpir	Perceptions about most appropriate diet for children aged less than six months Importance of breast milk and feeding practices for children aged less than six months Decision making about the first diet of baby Alternatives being used along with breastfeeding Barriers faced for EBF Facilitators for EBF Frequency of LHWs visits and services provided LHWs counseling on EBF
Lady health workers	9	99	Hala-2, Karam Khan Nizamani, Old Hala, Matiari, Shah Alam Shah Ji Wasi, Sekhat, Shah Mir Rahu, Bhalidino Kaka, Zairpir	Perceptions about most appropriate diet for children aged less than six months Importance of breast milk and EBF Challenges for nursing mothers of EBF Facilitators for nursing mothers of EBF

EBF exclusive breastfeeding, FGD focus group discussions, LHW lady health workers