EFFECT OF TOPICAL APPLICATION OF BREASTMILK ON UMBILICAL CORD SEPARATION TIME AMONG NEWBORN - A PILOT STUDY

During the intra-uterine life the umbilical cord serves as an only one source for nutrition, energy and growth of the fetus but, during extra uterine life the umbilical cord stump serves as a commonest site for the spread of infection due to warmth and blood circulation over it. The country like India having most area of lower economic status requires the easily available, cheap and convenient method which mothers themselves also can perform to prevent the occurrence of infection. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of application of breastmilk on separation time of umbilical cord among newborn. Methodology: The Quasi experimental Posttest only control group design was used to do the pilot study using a quantitative approach. The study was conducted at Raj Nursing Home, Anand and Himalaya hospital, Anand. Convenient sampling technique was used to select 10 newborns in experimental group & control group (5 in each). The tool of data collection included validated checklist of neonatal bio-demographic variables and of physiological parameters of signs of cord separation. The data collection tool was divided in to 2 sections which are Observation checklist of Neonatal variables, existing condition of cord (at birth) and observation checklist on physiological parameters signs of cord separation. Results: The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result shows there is reduction in umbilical cord separation time of experimental group (mean 4.8 days) as compare to control group (7.4 days).This shows there is a impact of topical application of breastmilk on umbilical cord separation time. Conclusion: There is significant reduction in umbilical cord separation time due to topic after the application al application of breastmilk on umbilical cord. Hence, topical application of breastmilk can be used as a cheapest, easily available natural therapy for reduction of umbilical cord separation time.