Practice of Colostrum Feeding among Post Natal Mothers in Rural Community of District Pulwama, Kashmir

Background: Colostrum is the first fluid available for the baby after birth. Its small doses are designed for the human infant. These early feeds are easily digestible. There are qualities of colostrum that make it truly unique. It is too valuable to lose; to ignore it is to promote mortality, suffering, personal, national and economic stress. The main aim of this study was to assess the practice regarding Colostrum feeding among postnatal mothers. Methods: A descriptive, study was conducted among 100 postnatal mothers in the selected rural community of District Pulwama. Convenient sampling was used to select a sample size of 100 postnatal mothers. Data was collected using a observational checklist. Results: Regarding prelacteal feed given by subjects, 21% gave honey, kahwa 13%, sugar water 32%., 40% gave any other like glucose water. On first day, top feed was given by subjects among whom 60% gave formula milk, 14% gave cow?s milk. Cleaning of hands and breast before feeding was done by 62% of mothers on first day. Comfortable position taken by mother while feeding was taken by only 3% of subjects. Comfortable position to baby while feeding was not given by any subject. Regular and frequent Colostrum feeding (on demand/2 hourly) was given by 25% mothers. Burping was done immediately after Colostrum feeding by 63% mothers, feeding of diluted Colostrum was practiced by 2%of the subject. Many women were aware about the practices of colostrums feeding but the data still indicate that further efforts are required to improve it. Conclusion: Huge gaps continue to exist in colostrum feeding practices among mothers so the counseling methods should be used to reinforce specific, priority messages by health facility staff and community based workers.