Awareness about postnatal care and feeding practices to be followed among mothers of children under two years attending immunization clinics in primary health centres of Tirunelveli district, Tamilnadu

Dr. Praveena Daya A; Dr Karthikeyan G

Volume : VII, Issue : III, March - 2018

Awareness about postnatal care and feeding practices to be followed among mothers of children under two years attending immunization clinics in primary health centres of Tirunelveli district, Tamilnadu

Dr. Praveena Daya A, Dr Karthikeyan G

Abstract :

Background:

Awareness among mothers regarding postnatal visits, complications in the postnatal period, advantages of exclusive eastfeeding and proper complementary feeding practices plays a main role in the health of the mother and children and proper well–being of children.

Materials and methods:

A cross–sectional study conducted among 250 mothers having children less than 2 years residing in the service areas of selected three primary health centres in Tirunelveli district and attended the immunization clinic during the study period were included through convenience sampling.

Results:

Among the 250 mothers, only 47% have practiced exclusive eastfeeding during the first 6 months of age of their children, 50% followed both east feeding & bottle feed and 3% had practiced only bottle feeding. Around 18% of mothers initiated eastfeeding after 4 hours and 14% faced problems while initiation of eastfeeding. Only 67% mothers were aware about appropriate complementary feeding practices. Among the 250 mothers, awareness about postnatal exercises and postnatal visits were 13% and 32%.

Conclusion:

Awareness about appropriate feeding practices and postnatal care were less among the mothers interviewed. Health education sessions need to be conducted regularly in health centres.