ABSTRACT
Neonatal health is the key to child survival. Care practices during delivery and neonatal period contribute to risk of mortality and morbidity. The present study was conducted in two urban villages of east Delhi to study practices during delivery and neonatal period amongst mothers. A total of 100 neonate- mother pairs were studied. About two-third (64%) births took place at home, 48(75%) of the home deliveries were conducted by a traditional birth attendant. The traditional birth attendant did not wash her hands in 24 (37.5%) and did not wear gloves in 46(72%) of the deliveries conducted at home. Breast feeding was initiated within one hour in only 12% of the newborns. Early initiation of breast feeding was more likely in newborns with parents with higher education and higher income and those belonging to joint families. About one- third of newborns were bathed immediately after birth. Application to the cord was practiced by 86% of the mothers. The practice was not related to education of mother or income; it was more common in newborns whose fathers were more educated and those belonging to joint families. Thus unsafe traditional newborn practices are common in the area emphasizing the need for education in clean delivery practices and newborn care.