ABSTRACT
Background: Exclusive breast feeding reduces infant and neonatal mortality. NFHS-3 (2005-06) and NFHS-4 (2015-16) (India), showed only marginal improvement from 46% to 55%, regarding exclusive Breast feeding, among children during first 6 months of life. If mother’s knowledge is good, she will be confident to take decision on Breast feeding. This study was conducted to assess, the knowledge, regarding breast feeding, among mothers in perinatal period admitted in a tertiary care centre in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.Methods: This was descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out among 300 perinatal mothers. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires.Results: 95% of mothers knew that the breast milk is best for the baby. 75% of mothers were aware that the breast milk should be the neonates first feed, though only 55% knew about initial breast milk (colostrum). 77% of the mothers said the time for first feed should be within an hour. 27% said baby should be fed as and when hungry. 56% of the mothers stated that the baby should be allowed to feed as long as the baby sucks at the breast. 63.7% mothers were aware about the duration of EBF.Conclusions: Knowledge regarding exclusive breast feeding is inadequate among mothers in Uttarakhand. The government must incorporate breast feeding topic in schools to improve the knowledge on breast feeding, so that mothers can take decision independently.
ABSTRACT
Background: Neonatal care practices are different in different communities. Before any intervention planned to reduce mortality and mortality in community, understanding of local belief and practices is necessary. Some of the harmful practices need to be abandoned and good or harmless practices need to be appreciated. This study was conducted to understand the cultural beliefs and practices in newborn care among residents of Uttarakhand.Methods: This was descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out among 300 postnatal mothers admitted to the hospital. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Statistical analyses of the data was done using SSPS version 22.0.Results: 4% of the mothers believed colostrum to be unsuitable for the newborn. 71% mothers were practicing daily baby massage. 71.3% believed that hot and cold foods can harm their baby’s health. 57.3% practiced application of Kajal on baby’s face. 74.7% of mothers would keep Knife under pillow and 16.7% match box under baby’s cloth. 5.3% mother believed in practice of branding. 81% of mothers accept to practice of pouring oil in baby’s ear. 22.3% mothers believed in isolating mother baby together for 30-40 days.Conclusions: Certain practices are still prevalent like Branding, discarding colostrum, Kajal application, pouring oil in baby’s ear and very restricted dietary regime of mothers. These practices need to be stopped by educating mothers and relatives in postnatal wards.