Fertility Profile and Safe Neonatal Practices of Mothers of Neonates in Rural Area of West Bengal

Annually three million neonates die in the world. Neonatal deaths in India remain high at 32 per 1000 live births. In West Bengal, the neonatal mortality rate is 23 per 1000 live births. Present study was conducted in the rural area of Nadia district of West Bengal to study the fertility profile and safe neonatal practices of mothers in rural areas of West Bengal.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among mothers of neonates by using a cluster sampling technique. Data was collected from 575 mothers by using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire.

Out of 575 respondent mothers majority 98% were well aware that the umbilical cord stump needs to be kept clean however only 90% had reported to practice it. 90% were well aware about importance of colostrum feeding but only 80% had actually fed colostrum to their new borne babies. Exclusive breast feeding was practiced by 69% of the mothers. 90% of mothers were aware that hand washing should be done before handling the baby however only 68% of mothers were actually practicing it. Out of all respondents, 62% of mothers had given early breast feeding, 58% of mother reported that they were wrapping the child in multiple layer clothes and 57% had delayed the first bath of the baby by 48 hours.

Mothers lack knowledge about importance of keeping baby warm and have misconceived ideas about correct breastfeeding practices and hand washing.

Targeted IEC with specific messages of need for warmth for the neonate, importance of hand washing and myths regarding breast feeding.