1Lecturer, Manipal College of Medical Science, (Nursing Programme), Pokhara, Nepal
2Teaching Assistant, Tribhuvan University, Institute of Medicine, Nepalgunj Nursing Campus, Nepalgunj, Nepal
*Corresponding Author: Shakya Nona Lecturer, Manipal College of Medical Science, (Nursing Programme), Pokhara, Nepal Phone: 9846000362 Email: shanon_555@yahoo.com
Online published on 2 November, 2018.
Breastfeeding is universally acknowledged to be the best and complete food for infants as it fulfills specific nutritional needsand also benefits for mother. However despite strong evidences in support breastfeeding its prevalence has remained low worldwide. The objective of present study was to assess perceptions and practices on breastfeeding among postnatal mothers.
A cross-sectional descriptive study design was carried out among 257 postnatal mothers of Manipal Teaching Hospital from June to August 2017. Consecutive sampling technique was used for the study. Data was collected through face to face interview usingsemi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical method.
There was positive perception on breastfeeding among postnatal mothers (56.4%) that was mostly on benefits of breastfeeding, early initiation of breastfeeding and starting complementary feeding but there is poor perception on honeyand water administration to newborn; breastfeeding continuation at least 1 year. Initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth was done by minority of mothers (19.5%). Majority of mothers (82.9%) was given prelactal feeding to their baby that was infant formula (98.1%).
The mothers have few negative perceptions regarding breastfeeding but practices on early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding were poor. It is essential to rectified by health education to mothers.
Breastfeeding, Perception, Postnatal mothers, Newborns
