Open AccessKnowledge, attitude and practice of Breastfeeding among lactating mothers in a tertiary care hospital
Author(s) -
Rakesh Ks,
Santosh Kumar K
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of research in pharmaceutical sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0975-7538
DOI - 10.26452/ijrps.v11ispl4.4452
Subject(s) - breastfeeding , medicine , lactation , family medicine , nursing , intervention (counseling) , breast feeding , obstetrics , pediatrics , pregnancy , genetics , biology
Knowledge of Breastfeeding and its practice among lactating mothers is an essential factor which determines the breastfeeding rates. Exclusive breastfeeding helps in preventing neonatal and infant mortality and morbidity and is one of the most important public health intervention, which can reduce the under-five mortality also. This study was conducted in Saveetha medical college hospital between March 2020 and June 2020. To assess the knowledge, attitude, Practice of Breastfeeding among lactating mothers. Descriptive cross-sectional study. 100 lactating mothers admitted to our hospital after delivery were selected randomly. They were interviewed based on a questionnaire which was prepared to assess the knowledge attitude and practice of breastfeeding. Informed consent was obtained after explaining the objective of the study. Out of 100 mothers, 71.38% had good knowledge, 66.6% showed a positive attitude towards breastfeeding, and 63.33% had acceptable breastfeeding practices. The breastfeeding practices followed in our hospital can be improved further by proper counselling and nutritional education of the mothers in the antenatal and immediate postnatal period. The comprehensive lactation management programme which has recently been started in our hospital could aid in the same. Dedicated lactation counsellor and lactation nurse could also help achieve improved breastfeeding practices and attitude towards breastfeeding.