Maternal and Newborn Care

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) neonates face a significantly higher risk of complications and mortality compared to those with normal birth weight. This risk is particularly pronounced in low-income countries, where access to quality health care and adequate nutrition is limited. However, there is insufficient data on mortality for LBW neonates while receiving parenteral feedings. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the incidence and determinants of mortality among admitted LBW neonates receiving parenteral feeding at Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in selected hospitals in Addis Ababa. Methods: A prospective follow-up study was conducted in selected hospitals' NICU from March to June 2022. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and checklist, and analyzed using STATA software. The assumption for survival analysis was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and a global test. Bi-variable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify determinants of mortality. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used to declare as a significant predictor. Results: Two hundred eighty-nine neonates with their indexed mothers were enrolled for a total of 2242 days. During this follow-up time sixty-six neonates were died, making the incidence rate of mortality among LBW neonates 29.

The general objective of the study is to contribute to the Millenium Development Goal which is to reduce the infant and maternal mortality and morbidity rates of the country. Specifically, the study aims to determine the maternal health beliefs and practices of mothers on prenatal, intranatal and postnatal periods; to determine infant health beliefs and practices of mothers in infant feeding, hygiene and care of sick infant; to determine the degree of conformance and percentage of compliance to BEMONC protocols (basic emergency obstetric and newborn care) of maternal and neonatal care; to identify the implications of health beliefs and practices on the health of the mother and infant and; and to develop IEC materials to enhance the knowledge and improve the practices of mothers along maternal and infant care. This study utilized the descriptive survey method. A questionnaire-checklist translated in Bicol dialect was used to gather data from women with children 0-1 year old residing in Taysan Resettlement Site, Legazpi City and Arandurugan Village, Guinobatan, Albay at the time of the study. The resettlement sites are shelters for families displaced by typhoons and eruptions of Mayon Volcano. The study is based on Leininger's Culture Care Theory. Mothers eat nutritious foods, vitamins and minerals and submit to regular prenatal check up. There are respondents who still hold beliefs that have no scientific basis especially in terms of foods to eat during pregnancy. Some respondents no longer believe in myths and folkloric beliefs regarding labor and delivery but there are those who believe. Respondents lack information about new health practices during delivery. Respondents strongly believe in proper nutrition, breastfeeding and use of herbal preparations after delivery. They lack belief in terms of fever, contraception, bathing and rooming-in. Respondents always have prenatal checkup, tetanus toxoid immunization, take vitamins and eat nutritious food. There are still those who go to the hilot, rub the abdomen against the post and avoid sexual contact when pregnant. Respondents take a bath before delivery in order to be clean & comfortable and water provides support and buoyancy that enables women in labor to relax and take advantage of the weightless feeling it provides. Some respondents still practice that pregnant woman must avoid eating when in labor and taking a bath before delivery will cause painful delivery. Respondents eat greater amount and variety of nutritious and health foods, breastfeed 8 or more times a day and are given herbal preparations to drink with meals to prevent relapse. But there are those who don't ambulate after pregnancy. The respondent mothers strongly believed that breastfeeding promotes bonding between mother and baby and that Breast milk is better than infant formula because it contains vitamins & other nutrients needed for the growth & development of the child. They also believed in applying chewed leaves or Department of Health should provide the community with specific information on maternal and infant care, feeding and other related topics in order to increase awareness through lectures, training, seminars and other activities. There should be close coordination between the DOH and the health workers Health care providers must be aware of how beliefs and practices affect a person's response to health. Some beliefs are so powerful that it convinces a lot of people particularly the rural folks. Efforts should be made to become familiar with the beliefs to provide adequate and quality care.

Background: In India, public health nursing in the villages today is still limited to services rendered by Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM). ANMs are regarded as the first contact person between people and organization, between needs and services and between ...

Background: Higher maternal and neonatal deaths are common in low-and middle-income countries; due to less access to skilled help. Adequate knowledge and skills on maternal and newborn care (MNC) of community health workers can improve maternal and newborn health.Aims: To identify the knowledge of primary level health workers on some components of MNC. Subjects and Methods: Respondents were selected using simple random sampling method. For collecting the data, enumerators visited health institutions for 2 months from 1 st October to 31 st November 2012, and structured interview schedule was used to gather the information. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a total of one hundred and thirty-seven primary level health workers in Kapilvastu district, Nepal. The Chi-square test was employed to examine the association between the knowledge of health workers on MNC and designation and work experience. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17. Results: In a total of 137 primary level health workers, more than half 53.2% (73/137) were senior auxiliary health workers/health assistant. Health workers having correct knowledge on contents of MNC were-registration 32.1% (44/137), major components of antenatal care 57.7% (79/137), danger signs of pregnancy 39.4% (54/137), five cleans 59.1% (81/137), postnatal health problems 54.0% (74/137), majority to health action to newborn care, newborn bath and meaning of exclusive breastfeeding. There was a statistical association between designation of health workers and above-mentioned components of MNC (P < 0.05). The differentials in the knowledge of MNC among primary level health suggest improving knowledge of the grass root level health workers with appropriate training and development programs.

Background: The prevalence of child undernutrition in India remains high despite India&#39;s recent economic growth. Certain factors like identification of undernutrition by mothers, delay in seeking treatment etc have largely gone un-noticed. The objective of this study was to identify the factors responsible for delay in recognition or non-recognition of undernutrition by the mothers. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Gwalior District among doctors, Supporting Staff (Anganwadi workers, ANM and Feeding Demonstrators) and Mothers using a pre-designed, pretested, semi-structured questionnaire. Results: 100% Doctors and supporting staff considered Anthropometry as a method of recognition of child under-nutrition while only 37.33% mothers believed the same. 23% mothers considered frequent illness of child as method of recognition of under-nutrition. For 91.33% mothers, lack of time/engaged with livelihood was the most important factor preventing them from seeking...

This chapter deals with the first month of life of the newborns in India. Although it is a global issue, the chapter focuses on the issue giving the history, perspective, current situation, and the future of newborns in India. Being the second most populous country in the world, the lessons learnt from India on neonatal care can be adopted by other countries. The application of the neonatal care on a large scale in India has been slow and gradual as it needs a multidimensional strategy. The neonatal care is at two poles. One at the in-reach and the other at the level of out-reach. The former is at the institutional level and the later at the institutional level. Both the concepts are detailed out in the chapter. The chapter also factors in the multiheaded dependent indicator, such as neonatal mortality rate, that impacts poverty, and thus social development. The chapter discusses the child survival interventions through the reduction of child mortality in India and aspires that India achieve the sustainable development goal related to child mortality.

Background: Human resources are the largest component of health care delivery system in India and motivated health workers are essential for improving health outcomes.

Objectives: The objective of this paper is to study the availability and competency of staff at community health centers (CHCs) and 24X7 primary health centers (PHCs) and compare these with the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS).

Materials and Methods: Data were collected from various health service providers and managers at district, block and community level through well structured questionnaire.

Results: Shortage of manpower especially specialists were observed at CHCs whereas at 24*7 PHC shortage of laboratory technician and pharmacist were observed. More than 75 percent medical officers were competent in history taking and physical examination during ANC followed by antenatal counseling and interventions (71.4%), health education and counseling (66.7%) and providing newborn care (61.9%) whereas nearly 70 percent of the nursing staff were competent in ANC history taking, establish I/V line and give fluid and conduct normal delivery. Fourteen programme managers found themselves competent in monitoring and evaluation followed by implementation planning (76.5%), managing training programmes (76.5%), programme management and review (58.8%), quality management (58.8%), essential computer skills (58.8%), developing action plan (58.8%) and managing contracts (58.8%).

Conclusions: Important deficiencies were revealed in the studied CHCs and 24X7 PHCs of Bharatpur district and by additional inputs such as recruiting staff health facilities can be upgraded. Training is essential for enhancing the competencies which should be addressed on the priority basis.

Background: Pasteurised Donor human milk (PDHM) is regarded as "the next best" after the biological mother's breast milk. The aim of the study was to assess the awareness about breast milk banking among antenatal and postnatal women and their willingness  to donate their breast milk to the bank or accept it from the bank.

Materials & Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on 350 Antenatal and Postnatal women from 3 hospitals of Bhopal. Purposive sampling was used and 104 antenatal women (>8 months gestation) and 246 postnatal women (<6 weeks) were enrolled. The study was conducted from 1 September to 30 November 2016. The data was collected using pre-designed semi structured questionnaire.

Results: Out of 246 postnatal women who were interviewed, 86.6% women were currently breastfeeding their child. Knowledge regarding importance of colostrums and meaning of exclusive breastfeeding was present in 73.4% and 85% participants re- spectively. The knowledge about existence of breast milk bank was 10% while willingness to accept the milk was 85.4% and to donate was 84.9% in study participants.

Conclusion: The knowledge about existence of breast milk bank in study participants was found to be very less. Lack of awareness about existence of breast milk banks was perceived as major barrier in utilisation of breast milk bank servic

The study aimed to identify the important effects of some selected variables in antenatal care (ANC) seeking behaviour among slum mothers. The data for the study were collected in 2006 from 700 mothers in the slum areas of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), Bangladesh. The results indicate that tetanus toxoid (TT) is relatively widespread in slum areas of RCC. Serious health implications were observed for the mothers and their children who lived in the study areas because more than half of the respondents (56.1%) were not assisted at their last childbirth by any health professional. The respondents were too poor to buy iron tablets/syrup and vitamin tablets/syrup during their last pregnancy. The application of a logistic regression model suggested that demographic and socio-economic factors were associated with ANC seeking behaviour among slum mothers. Respondents&#39; education, place of treatment, husband&#39;s occupation, family&#39;s income, and exposure to mass media had highly s...

Background: The rst day, week and month of life are the most critical period for the survival of children. In Ethiopia, despite a signi cant reduction in under-ve mortality during the last fteen years, neonatal mortality remains a public health problem accounting for 47% of under-ve mortality. Understanding neonatal survival and risk factors for neonatal mortality could help devising tailored interventions. The aim of this study was to determine the neonatal survival and risk factors for neonatal mortality in Aroresa district, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: A community based prospective follow up study was conducted among a cohort of term pregnant mothers and neonates delivered from January 1/2018 to March 30/2018. A total of 586 term pregnant mothers were selected with a multistage sampling technique and 584 neonates were followed-up for a total of 28 days, with 12 twin pairs. Data were coded, entered cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to show pattern of neonatal death in 28 days. Independent and adjusted relationships of different predictors with neonates' survival were assessed with Cox regression model. The risk of mortality was explored and presented with hazard ratio and 95% con dence interval and P-value less than 0.05 were considered as signi cant. Result: The overall neonatal mortality was 41 per 1000 live births. Hazards of neonatal mortality was high for neonates with complications (AHR=3.643; 95% CI, 1.36-9.77), male neonates (AHR=2.71; 95% CI, 1.03-7.09), mother's perception of baby's size (AHR=3.46; 95% CI, 1.119-10.704), neonates who had initiated exclusive breast feeding (EBF) after one hour (AHR=3.572; 95% CI, 1.255-10.165) and mothers who had no postnatal care (AHR=3.07; 95% CI, 1.16-8.12). Conclusion: Neonatal mortality in the study area was 4.1% which was high and immediate action should be taken towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. To improve neonatal survival, high impact interventions such as promotion of maternal service utilization, essential newborn care and early initiation of exclusive breast feeding were recommended.

Background: Breast milk is ideal food for infants until 6 months after birth. In India, breast feeding practices vary according to different socio-demographic factors. This study was aimed to study and compare different factors affecting breast feeding practices in sugarcane workers and paramedical staff. The objectives were objectives to study socio-demographic factors affecting breast feeding practices in sugarcane workers and paramedical staff, to compare factors affecting breast feeding practices in these groups and to suggest recommendations based on study findings. Methods: A cross sectional study was done on 100 women from 2 groups of working women, 50 from paramedical staff and 50 from sugarcane workers. They were interviewed personally using predesigned and pretested questionnaire. All women working at the time of their postnatal period were included in the study. Statistical analysis used: Z test for difference in two proportions was used for statistical analysis. Results: In Group A i.e. unskilled labourers, breast feeding was seen for prolonged duration (up to 2-3 years.) Whereas in Group B, breast feeding was for shorter duration (lasting up to 1 year in most women). Conclusions: There was significant difference in breast feeding practices in the two groups.

Background Sri Lanka is an upper-middle-income country with excellent health statistics. However, 2016 Demographic and Health Survey data have shown 82% and 64% of mothers exclusively breastfed infants aged 0–6 months and 4–5 months, respectively. The short duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has an impact on the growth and development of babies. Since no studies have been reported on EBF practices of the rural mothers in Jaffna District, an administrative district among 25 districts of Sri Lanka, this study aimed to assess the factors influencing the early cessation of EBF. Methods For this community-based cross-sectional study, 338 mother–child pairs were selected from 2013–14. EBF was defined as children not receiving any food or drink, including complementary foods, formula milk or milk products except for medicines and vitamins or mineral drops, other than breast milk since birth. Socio-economic and demographic factors, the influence of the mode of delivery, and knowledge...

Background The short duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has an impact on the growth and development of babies. Since no studies have been reported on EBF practices of the rural mothers in Jaffna District, Sri Lanka, this study was aimed to assess the factors influencing the early cessation of EBF. Methods This was a community-based cross-sectional study, and 338 mother-child pairs were selected. Socio-economic and demographic factors, the influence of the mode of delivery, and knowledge on EBF were obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The details of EBF and reasons for the cessation of breastfeeding before six months were obtained from the mothers. Multivariate analysis was performed to explore the correlates of breastfeeding. Results About 38.8% of the mothers ceased EBF before six months, 71.2% had practiced EBF for six months. The early discontinuation of the EBF by the employed mothers (AOR 4.3; 95% CI 1.3–13.9), those who delivered low birth weight b...

This report describes maternal-newborn care practices and care of infants aged 2-4 months (feeding practices, morbidity status, immunization status and nutritional status) in urban slum dwellings of Indore city, Madya Pradesh (India). The findings presented in this report are from a study carried out by UHRC between Dec'04-Feb'06 in 11 out of 79 slums where it's Indore Urban Health Program is operational since April, 2003. Also discussed in this report, are reasons for following these practices, what facilitates and what hinders following optimal practices and potential program options for their improvement.

This report describes maternal-newborn care practices and care of infants aged 2-4 months (feeding practices, morbidity status, immunization status and nutritional status) in urban slum dwellings of Indore city, Madya Pradesh (India). The findings presented in this report are from a study carried out by UHRC between Dec'04-Feb'06 in 11 out of 79 slums where it's Indore Urban Health Program is operational since April, 2003. Also discussed in this report, are reasons for following these practices, what facilitates and what hinders following optimal practices and potential program options for their improvement.

La presente propuesta de investigación pretendeinterconectar las prácticas de los distintos actores sociales(mujeres en crianza y sus familiares, así como personalsanitario), los cuales interpretan la práctica de la lactanciamaterna desde sus propios esquemas formativos,culturales e ideológicos, en dos escenarios distintos: elpersonal/familiar y el sanitario.
Consideramos que desde la antropología médica se puedeencontrar la respuesta, con una perspectiva relacional,como la que propone Eduardo Menéndez (1992). Para lacomprensión del fenómeno de la lactancia materna, dichaperspectiva toma en cuenta la interrelación de losdiferentes actores y escenarios involucrados.

Background: One indicator of a country&#39;s progress is the infant mortality rate. Infant mortality is affected by many factors, both exogenous and endogenous. This study aimed to determine the factors causing significant infant mortality to reduce infant mortality in Karanganyar Regency. Subjects and Method: This study was an observational study with a cross-sectional design. This study was conducted in Karanganyar, Central Java, from February to May 2020. A sample was 200 infants aged 1-11 months were selected by fixed disease sampling. The variables observed for the effect were infant mortality, clean and healthy life behavior, exclusive breastfeeding, parental income, maternal education, infant nutritional intake, immunization status, birth weight of infants, illness history of infants, health services, and house sanitation. The data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed using path analysis with Stata 13. Results: The risk of infant mortality increased by the cleanliness...

Three hundred twelve mothers of infants aged 2-4 months in 11 slums of Indore, India, were interviewed to assess birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPACR) among them. The mothers were asked whether they followed the desired four steps while pregnant: identified a trained birth attendant, identified a health facility, arranged for transport, and saved money for emergency. Taking at least three steps was considered being well-prepared. Taking two or less steps was considered being less-prepared. One hundred forty-nine mothers (47.8%) were well-prepared. Factors associated with well-preparedness were assessed using adjusted multivariate models. Factors associated with well-preparedness were maternal literacy [odds ratio (OR)=1.9, (95%) confidence interval (CI) 1.1-3.4] and availing of antenatal services (OR=1.7, CI 1.05-2.8). Deliveries in the slum-home were high (56.4%). Among these, skilled attendance was low (7.4%); 77.3% of them were assisted by traditional birth attendants. Skilled attendance during delivery was three times higher in well-prepared mothers compared to less-prepared mothers (OR: 3.0, CI 1.6-5.4) Antenatal outreach sessions can be used for promoting BPACR. It will be important to increase the competency of slum-based traditional birth attendants, along with promoting institutional deliveries.

Background: Newborn care is an integral aspect of child health care practices. Globally 2.4 million children died in the neonatal period in 2019. Currently in India around 7.47 lakh neonates die annually. Advocating and adopting proper postnatal care of newborn in aspects of breastfeeding, immunization, warmth care, cord care, eye care etc will help in reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality.Methods: This was an hospital based cross sectional study of 100 postnatal mothers of babies admitted in NICU, in a tertiary care hospital. The knowledge of the mothers on various aspects of postnatal care was assessed by a pretest, followed by counseling and reassessment with a post test.Results: The study found that postnatal mothers had better awareness regarding breastfeeding, warmth care, cord care and oil massage. Poor knowledge was seen regarding eye care, immunization, recognition of danger signs and maternal nutrition and supplementation. Health care workers focused more on breastfeed...

Background: Newborn care is an integral aspect of child health care practices. Globally 2.4 million children died in the neonatal period in 2019. Currently in India around 7.47 lakh neonates die annually. Advocating and adopting proper postnatal care of newborn in aspects of breastfeeding, immunization, warmth care, cord care, eye care etc will help in reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality. Methods: This was an hospital based cross sectional study of 100 postnatal mothers of babies admitted in NICU, in a tertiary care hospital. The knowledge of the mothers on various aspects of postnatal care was assessed by a pretest, followed by counseling and reassessment with a post test. Results: The study found that postnatal mothers had better awareness regarding breastfeeding, warmth care, cord care and oil massage. Poor knowledge was seen regarding eye care, immunization, recognition of danger signs and maternal nutrition and supplementation. Health care workers focused more on breastfeeding and warmth care practices than other aspects of postnatal care during antenatal counseling which could be a reason for this. A wide gap exists between contact with health workers and antenatal counseling. Knowledge gaps of the mothers improved significantly after counseling irrespective of their parity, education and location as seen by the increase in mean scores. Conclusions: Neonatal morbidity and mortality due to avoidable causes like hypoglycemia, hypothermia, sepsis can be achieved by practicing appropriate post-natal care practices. WHO recommendations on these practices should be widely propagated through frequent antenatal and post-natal counseling by health care workers.

Objetivo: este trabajo pretende analizar el apoyo social formal a un grupo de madres con hijos menores de un año. Método: estudio cualitativo, descriptivo interpretativo, en el cual participaron diez mujeres en un grupo focal que se reunió en siete ocasiones. Resultados: a partir del análisis de contenido de las dinámicas grupales se detecta que el apoyo formal informativo es el más frecuente y resulta difícil separarlo del emocional. Los profesionales, a través del apoyo informativo, tratan temas relacionados con la promoción de la salud y prevención de la enfermedad y acompañan a las madres en este rol. Conclusión: para las madres el apoyo formal brindado por el personal de enfermería es positivo y percibido como un refuerzo en su vivencia de la maternidad, y debe estar enmarcado en un contexto cultural.

Background Sri Lanka is an upper-middle-income country with excellent health statistics. However, 2016 Demographic and Health Survey data have shown 82% and 64% of mothers exclusively breastfed infants aged 0–6 months and 4–5 months, respectively. The short duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has an impact on the growth and development of babies. Since no studies have been reported on EBF practices of the rural mothers in Jaffna District, an administrative district among 25 districts of Sri Lanka, this study aimed to assess the factors influencing the early cessation of EBF. Methods For this community-based cross-sectional study, 338 mother–child pairs were selected from 2013–14. EBF was defined as children not receiving any food or drink, including complementary foods, formula milk or milk products except for medicines and vitamins or mineral drops, other than breast milk since birth. Socio-economic and demographic factors, the influence of the mode of delivery, and knowledge...

Although Bangladesh made substantial progress in reducing neonatal mortality, practice of essential newborn care is very low resulting in neonatal deaths. This study aimed to identify postnatal mother's knowledge of newborn care practices. A hospitalbased cross-sectional study among 211 postnatal mothers was conducted using purposive sampling technique. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used for interviews and Chi-square test was done to analyze collected data. Around 38% of mothers were aged between 16 and 20 years, 28% had secondary school education, 55% were primigravida, and only 26.5% attended antenatal visit for >4 times. Nearly 36% of them had warm clothes and 8% used kangaroo method for thermoregulation. Two-thirds of the mothers strongly agreed that breastfeeding was essential for the baby, 58% strongly agreed that colostrum must be provided to the newborn, and around 60% strongly agreed that exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) should be given up to 6 months of age. Majority of mothers knew about immunization at birth. Knowledge gaps were identified about cord care, eye care, first bathing, and hygiene practices. Nonetheless, only a minority of respondents had good knowledge of newborn care. In addition, highly significant statistical association was found between knowledge level and sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents. To further increase postnatal mother's knowledge of newborn care practices, implementation of guidelines outlined in the Maternal Child Health handbook is highly recommended.

Entender las costumbres, los valores y los mitos asociados a la &quot;Dieta&quot;, término con el que las adolescentes se refieren al posparto en Colombia, permite anticiparse para ofrecer un cuidado culturalmente congruente a este grupo. Con ese propósito se entrevistaron a 16 adolescentes en dos ciudades principales utilizando etnografía focalizada. Los conceptos y las prácticas de las jóvenes presentan un considerable contraste con aquellos promovidos por el modelo médico de la medicina occidental. Un aspecto que transita en casi todas las practicas entre las adolescentes, es el mantenimiento del balance calor y frío dentro de su cuerpo y con el medio ambiente. El descubrimiento cultural de parte de las enfermeras permite renovar la práctica profesional promoviendo la sensibilidad en los cuidados.

Objective: To assess the role of various factors in determining prelacteal feeding in block R.S. Pura of district Jammu. Materials and Methods: A stratified two-stage design with villages as the primary sampling unit and lactating mothers as the secondary sampling unit. Villages were divided into different clusters on the basis of population and sampling units were selected by a simple random technique. Results: Giving prelacteal feed is almost universal with 88% of mothers feeding their children with prelacteal feeds. Income seemed to have significant effect on the preference of prelacteal feeds with low income groups showing lower preference for giving prelacteal feeds. Conclusion: The study showed, interalia, that a poor knowledge regarding infant feeding practice was prevalent among mothers.

Although Bangladesh made substantial progress in reducing neonatal mortality, practice of essential newborn care is very low resulting in neonatal deaths. This study aimed to identify postnatal mother's knowledge of newborn care practices. A hospitalbased cross-sectional study among 211 postnatal mothers was conducted using purposive sampling technique. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used for interviews and Chi-square test was done to analyze collected data. Around 38% of mothers were aged between 16 and 20 years, 28% had secondary school education, 55% were primigravida, and only 26.5% attended antenatal visit for >4 times. Nearly 36% of them had warm clothes and 8% used kangaroo method for thermoregulation. Two-thirds of the mothers strongly agreed that breastfeeding was essential for the baby, 58% strongly agreed that colostrum must be provided to the newborn, and around 60% strongly agreed that exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) should be given up to 6 months of age. Majority of mothers knew about immunization at birth. Knowledge gaps were identified about cord care, eye care, first bathing, and hygiene practices. Nonetheless, only a minority of respondents had good knowledge of newborn care. In addition, highly significant statistical association was found between knowledge level and sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents. To further increase postnatal mother's knowledge of newborn care practices, implementation of guidelines outlined in the Maternal Child Health handbook is highly recommended.

Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices and immunization play a critical role in averting childhood illness and in achieving optimal growth and development among children. This was a cross-sectional study that assessed the morbidity and immunization status of children 6–23 months of age in three income groups in Delhi. The study also assessed feeding practices for children during illness. Results showed that the prevalence of diarrhea in the past 2 weeks preceding the survey was 8.6%, 18.3%, and 17.7% in urban slum, low-income group (LIG), and middle-income group (MIG), respectively. About 50% of children in LIG and MIG and about 45% in the urban slum had fever in the past 2 weeks preceding the survey. About 20% of mothers in urban slum and LIG reported that they were not washing their hands with soap before preparing food for their children. Although most of the children with diarrhea had received oral rehydration salts, they had not received zinc which is critical ...

Although Bangladesh made substantial progress in reducing neonatal mortality, practice of essential newborn care is very low resulting in neonatal deaths. This study aimed to identify postnatal mother's knowledge of newborn care practices. A hospitalbased cross-sectional study among 211 postnatal mothers was conducted using purposive sampling technique. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used for interviews and Chi-square test was done to analyze collected data. Around 38% of mothers were aged between 16 and 20 years, 28% had secondary school education, 55% were primigravida, and only 26.5% attended antenatal visit for >4 times. Nearly 36% of them had warm clothes and 8% used kangaroo method for thermoregulation. Two-thirds of the mothers strongly agreed that breastfeeding was essential for the baby, 58% strongly agreed that colostrum must be provided to the newborn, and around 60% strongly agreed that exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) should be given up to 6 months of age. Majority of mothers knew about immunization at birth. Knowledge gaps were identified about cord care, eye care, first bathing, and hygiene practices. Nonetheless, only a minority of respondents had good knowledge of newborn care. In addition, highly significant statistical association was found between knowledge level and sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents. To further increase postnatal mother's knowledge of newborn care practices, implementation of guidelines outlined in the Maternal Child Health handbook is highly recommended.

Background: Antenatal and post natal care are important component of maternal mortality rate. Antenatal facilities provided to mothers form the base of their future outcome. The services provided to mothers are still poor in India. A proper and effective program implementation is depending on understanding of basic factors that affect maternal and child health services utilization. Considering all these facts, it is important to study the maternal health service utilization pattern among the beneficiaries living in urban area of Jabalpur and factors responsible for their under utilization. Material & Methods: A prospective study was carried out in urban area of Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh. Cluster sampling technique was used to select 396 Antenatal females in the 36 different clusters. Information about socio demographic factors and ANC services utilization was recorded. Results: This study showed that 50.50% of women were registered within 12 weeks of pregnancy, 58.80% wome...

Siddharth Agarwal has more than 18 years experience in medicine, project management, and technical assistance in community health. He works with the USAID-EHP, Urban Health Program, as the India Country Representative. He supports the Government of India's Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Program and provides technical and programmatic oversight to city-based urban health models. He has worked with CARE India, providing technical and programmatic support to projects for community-based child and newborn care and managed CARE's Maternal and Infant Survival Project in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Dr. Agarwal has experience working with the Government of Uttar Pradesh's Department of Health and Welfare as well as with the LLRM Medical College, Meerut. He holds a degree in medicine from the LLRM Medical College in Meerut. Shivani Taneja has over six years experience working in urban slums of Madhya Pradesh. She works on child education, women's empowerment and maternal and child health issues in slums of Madhya Pradesh through Muskaan, a Bhopal-based nongovernment organization. In addition, she supports USAID-EHP's Urban Health Program in India, as a consultant. She holds a master's degree in social work from the College of Social Work at Nirmala Niketan in Mumbai.

Introducción: La lactancia materna tradicionalmente ha estado relacionada a la cultura de cada familia y esta permeada por la de la sociedad, ya que cada comunidad practica su adecuada forma de alimentar al niño conforme a lo que ellos crean útil y provechoso. Es decir que la lactancia o práctica galactogaga además de ser un proceso natural lo es cultural por lo que lactancia depende de la diversidad de culturas. Objetivo: Describir las prácticas galactogogas de la mujer colombiana, las tradiciones para evitar las complicaciones mamarias y el papel enfermero en este evento. Métodos: Estudio  cualitativo exploratorio y de tipo fenomenológico. Resultados: En Colombia las mujeres utilizan para estimular la producción de leche materna: agua de panela, mazamorra de guineo verde, avena, batata cocida, levadura, malta, leche con panela, leche con ruda, levadura de cerveza, agua de  levadura, agua de maíz, leche de vaca o infusiones de hinojo y anís. Las mujeres indígenas, únicamente siguen...

Introduction: Feeding practices in a community directly affect the nutritional status of infants. The current study was conducted with the objective of assessing the breast feeding practices and factors contributing to it in slums of Amritsar city. Materials and Method: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in a slum of Amritsar city. Mothers who have delivered within the past one year were taken as study subjects. Sample size of 235 was calculated. Mothers were interviewed by using predesigned, pretested proforma. Breast feeding practices were studied. Sociodemographic factors were studied in relation to breast feeding practices. The data was collected, compiled and analyzed by using SPSS evaluation version 19.0. Results: It was observed that 90.6% infants were put to the breast milk after birth. But inappropriate early neonatal feeding practices were common. Prelacteal feed in the form of honey, sugar water or saline water was given to 86% of infants. Colostrum was discarded by 45.7% of women. Only 17% of women started breast feeding within one hour and 62.5% infants were put on exclusive breast feeding. Place of delivery was found to be a significant factor affecting exclusive breast feeding practice. Conclusion: Though majority of infants were put on breast milk, inappropriate feeding practices are prevalent. As place of delivery affects the breast feeding practice, institutional deliveries should be promoted.

Introducción: La divergencia entre la cultura de madres guambianas con niños hospitalizados en una ucin y la cultura de los profesionales de enfermería abre una brecha entre el saber cultural y el saber científico, lo que puede provocar que las madres no participen activamente de los cuidados básicos del recién nacido, debido, en parte, a que este medio es ajeno a su cultura. Esta asimetría entre los dos saberes puede favorecer el incremento no sólo de la morbilidad sino también los reingresos hospitalarios de los recién nacidos. Objetivo: Describir las prácticas y creencias sobre el cuidado básico del recién nacido que brindan las madres guambianas, cuyos hijos estuvieron hospitalizados en una ucin; presentar una propuesta de los diferentes modos de acción de cuidado con base en la teoría del cuidado cultural. Método: Estudio cualitativo de grupos focales en el cual participaron madres guambianas hispanohablantes, mayores de 18 años, cuyos neonatos estuvieron hospitalizados en la ucin. Resultados: Surgieron las siguientes categorías: la relación caliente/frío en el cuidado del neonato; la lactancia materna, alimento completo en la salud del bebé; la ombligada, un enlace para favorecer el vínculo permanente con la madre; y la enchumbada, una manera de fortalecer los huesos del bebé. Consideraciones finales: Quienes cuidan deben adquirir competencia cultural para brindar un cuidado congruente permitiendo identificar y diferenciar prácticas beneficiosas de aquellas que no lo son. La falta de respeto a la cultura y de congruencia en el cuidado no sólo agrede la dignidad de aquellas personas que no comparten nuestros puntos de vista, sino que los ahuyentan de los servicios aumentando cada vez la brecha entre las culturas.

Accessibility and utilization of healthcare plays a significant role in preventing complications during pregnancy, labor, and the early postnatal period. However, multiple barriers can prevent women from accessing services. The aim of this study was to explore the multifaceted barriers that inhibit women from seeking maternal and newborn health care in Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan. This study employed an interpretive research design using a purposive sampling approach. Pre-tested, semi-structured interview guides were used for data collection. The data were collected through eight focus group discussions with men and women, and six in-depth interviews with lady health workers and analyzed through thematic analysis. The study identified individual, sociocultural, and structural-level barriers that inhibit women from seeking maternal and newborn care. Individual barriers included mistrust towards public health facilities and inadequate symptom recognition. The three identified sociocultura...

Accessibility and utilization of healthcare plays a significant role in preventing complications during pregnancy, labor, and the early postnatal period. However, multiple barriers can prevent women from accessing services. The aim of this study was to explore the multifaceted barriers that inhibit women from seeking maternal and newborn health care in Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan. This study employed an interpretive research design using a purposive sampling approach. Pre-tested, semi-structured interview guides were used for data collection. The data were collected through eight focus group discussions with men and women, and six in-depth interviews with lady health workers and analyzed through thematic analysis. The study identified individual, sociocultural, and structural-level barriers that inhibit women from seeking maternal and newborn care. Individual barriers included mistrust towards public health facilities and inadequate symptom recognition. The three identified sociocultura...

Background: The objective of study was to assess the growth and development of low-birth-weight (LBW) infants. Methods: The study was conducted in community health center of Sanwer Tehsil (Indore District) in the state of Madhya Pradesh under the department of community medicine of Sri Aurobindo medical college and PG institute, Indore. A total of 150 babies were registered and followed up for study. Results: Male preponderance was observed in our study with 70 males and 66 females. Out of total 80 LBW neonates (44 males and 36 females), 6 were home deliveries, while similar equal distribution among primipara and bipara (34 and 30 respectively) was noted. It was found that maximum number of LBW infants (11.76%) were found in the mothers age group of 21 and 25. Conclusions:  2 value suggested that parity was not significantly correlated to LBW but multiparas with >3 deliveries were more prone to deliver a low-birth-weight baby. National programmes targeting to address low birth weight are the need of the hour.

Goal: To identify determinants of risk present in the mother and her son / a newborn, make a follow up and include the family at this stage in the care of the mother and son duo. Materials and Methods: This program brought together 257 postpartum women and their newborns seen at "Hospital Universitario Erasmo Meoz" (HUEM) in Cucuta city. In the data collection format was used Valuation Domains for the Woman and Ser Newborn and Care Practices Engaged with Themselves Postpartum Women questionnaire version 2010 designed by Vargas C. 1 Results: The demographic data in the mothers show some special features, similar to the findings in earlier work carried out within the proposed extension special features: single mothers, low educational and economic level. The 23.5% of women presented some warning sign, they were worked and evaluated. In fact, these signs did not progress to severe complications, newborns had abnormalities as conjunctivitis, dermatitis, omphalitis. 78.1% of mothers had the support of caregivers during this stage. Conclusions: conducting extension programs which promote the care and monitoring of this group of users, allows nurses to identify the problems and the background at the appropriate level, perform monitoring and control interventions, and lavish Care consistent with the culture and customs of the community, including family traditions in this process.

The study aimed to identify the important effects of some selected variables in antenatal care (ANC) seeking behaviour among slum mothers. The data for the study were collected in 2006 from 700 mothers in the slum areas of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), Bangladesh. The results indicate that tetanus toxoid (TT) is relatively widespread in slum areas of RCC. Serious health implications were observed for the mothers and their children who lived in the study areas because more than half of the respondents (56.1%) were not assisted at their last childbirth by any health professional. The respondents were too poor to buy iron tablets/syrup and vitamin tablets/syrup during their last pregnancy. The application of a logistic regression model suggested that demographic and socio-economic factors were associated with ANC seeking behaviour among slum mothers. Respondents&#39; education, place of treatment, husband&#39;s occupation, family&#39;s income, and exposure to mass media had highly s...

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and continued for two years or more protects the infant from infectious and chronic degenerative diseases in the future. The knowledge, attitude, and practice of breastfeeding and infant feeding practices among mothers are important to prevent these comorbidities. Research aim(s)/question(s): The present study aimed -to assess the knowledge and practice of breastfeeding and infant feeding practices among mothers of different socio-economic status in a region of Delhi. Methods: The study was a cross sectional study conducted among postpartum mothers having children below 1.5 years. Results: Around 52% of the mothers were exclusively breastfeeding, 62% experienced skin-to-skin & breastfeeding within an hour after delivery. The majority of the mothers knew the importance of colostrum for their babies and were aware that no prelacteal feed was needed for the initial 6 months. There was an association between exclusive breastfeeding and mo...

Background: Inter district variations in health parameters can be conducive for policy making with regards to child health status and healthcare utilization. Aims and Objectives: We carried out this study to understand district-wide variations in child health promotion practices in well performing Dakshina Kannada (DK) and poorly performing Bellary districts of Karnataka state of South India. Materials and Methods: Data was collected by cross sectional door to door community survey carried out among 2203 households of DK district and 2158 households of Bellary district. The Institutional Ethics Committee had approved this study. Result: Initiation of breast feeding within 2 hours was seen in 92.2% mothers in DK and 43.2% mothers in Bellary. Higher rates of prelacteal feeds (DK 16% Bellary 68.1 %) and delayed complementary feeding (DK 39.2 % Bellary 64.9%) was observed in Bellary. Home deliveries were negligible in DK but in Bellary almost half of the mothers had delivered at home. Fever was recognized as danger sign in majority, while awareness of all danger signs was seen in 44.4 % in DK and 14.8 % in Bellary. 28 % in Bellary had delayed health seeking. Conclusion: There is inter district variation child health promotional practices and health seeking and need due consideration by health policy makers.

In developing countries, life is difficult for most of the families and survival is an ongoing challenge. In such situation women are called upon to supplement family income. So women have to play multiple role and their time constraints are so severe that their participation in income generating activities results in reduced time devotion to their children which in turn adversely affects child health. Children are the future of the society and mothers are the guardian of the future. Hence to ensure sound foundation and secure future of any society, no child should be deprived of childhood, of physical growth, personal development, loving care and affection. Children till preschool age require most attention, as this is the period ABSTRACT Background: The early childhood development is most crucial and the mother's care and attention is essential. The inevitable changes like women entering the work field have an effect on the child care and development. This study was done with an objective to study the health profile and its determinants in children of working women by interrogating the mother regarding common health problems of their children, breast feeding practices and immunization coverage of the children. Methods: The data was collected through questionnaires that were named as the mother's schedule and the child schedule, which consisted of close-ended questions which were coded for an easy data entry. The mother's schedule looked at the information regarding the mother, like the caretaker during the mother's absence, the time which was spent with her child each day, etc. The Child schedule looked for information like whether the child was exclusively breast fed, its age in months when the weaning started, whether the government sponsored creche services were utilized, etc. It also included the anthropometrical measurements of the child like its current weight, current height and mid arm circumference, which were obtained by using standardized tools. For each schedule, a separate table was created in a relational basis in MS access, with suitable key fields to connect the information for the analysis. Results: According to our study the major determinants of health of the children of working mother were type of family, family size, working hours of mother, type of mother's work and substitute care provider in the absence of mother. The prevalence of most of the diseases was also high in nuclear families, when substitute care was provided by elder siblings, very large and very small family size, long working hours of mother and when mother was working as non-skilled and semiskilled worker. Conclusions: There is an adverse effect on the health of children those mothers are working.

Introducción: La lactancia materna tradicionalmente ha estado relacionada a la cultura de cada familia y esta permeada por la de la sociedad, ya que cada comunidad practica su adecuada forma de alimentar al niño conforme a lo que ellos crean útil y provechoso. Es decir que la lactancia o práctica galactogaga además de ser un proceso natural lo es cultural por lo que lactancia depende de la diversidad de culturas. Objetivo: Describir las prácticas galactogogas de la mujer colombiana, las tradiciones para evitar las complicaciones mamarias y el papel enfermero en este evento. Métodos: Estudio  cualitativo exploratorio y de tipo fenomenológico. Resultados: En Colombia las mujeres utilizan para estimular la producción de leche materna: agua de panela, mazamorra de guineo verde, avena, batata cocida, levadura, malta, leche con panela, leche con ruda, levadura de cerveza, agua de  levadura, agua de maíz, leche de vaca o infusiones de hinojo y anís. Las mujeres indígenas, únicamente siguen...

Background: In Pakistan, half of all pregnancies are unintended (4.2 million per year); out of which 2.2 million end in induced abortions. Almost 700,000 women seek medical treatment for post abortion complications every year. This necessitates access to quality Post-Abortion Care (PAC) services from skilled providers in Pakistan. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of Mid-Level Providers (MLPs) regarding PAC services in Sindh, Pakistan. Method: The study utilized a cross-sectional design. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 116 MLPs, including Nurse Midwives (NM), Lady Health Visitors (LHVs), and Community Midwives (CMWs) from different parts of Sindh. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19. Key Findings: The participants comprised 47% NMs, 35% LHVs, and 18% CMWs. The median age of the participants was 30 years. Nearly half of the participants (45%) worked in their own private ...

Background: Neonatal care practices are different in different communities. Before any intervention planned to reduce mortality and mortality in community, understanding of local belief and practices is necessary. Some of the harmful practices need to be abandoned and good or harmless practices need to be appreciated. This study was conducted to understand the cultural beliefs and practices in newborn care among residents of Uttarakhand.Methods: This was descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out among 300 postnatal mothers admitted to the hospital. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Statistical analyses of the data was done using SSPS version 22.0.Results: 4% of the mothers believed colostrum to be unsuitable for the newborn. 71% mothers were practicing daily baby massage. 71.3% believed that hot and cold foods can harm their baby’s health. 57.3% practiced application of Kajal on baby’s face. 74.7% of mothers would keep Knife under pillow and 16.7% m...

Aim: To study Hypothermia in infants of less than 2 months of age in urban slums of Indore city. Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional observational study of 411 infants of below 2 months of age. Period of study: 1 year (August 2015 to August 2016) Results: Infants below 2 months of age when studied in home deliveries; conducted by Trained Birth Attendant's-19% were having 'hypothermia by maternal perception' Immediately after birth only 47% were covered fully, 52% were only partially covered, while 1% were not at all covered. Immediately post delivery only 24% were kept in skin-to-skin contact with mother. First bath immediately post birth was given in 57% infants. Conclusion: In urban slums of Indore city, in home deliveries 19% of newborns were suffering from hypothermia even when deliveries were attended by Trained Birth Attendant. This can be attributed to faulty newborn care practices.

The period after birth is often marked by cultural practices. Some of these hinder health and survival of newborn, like bathing the baby immediately after birth. Understanding their beliefs and practices is an important part of ensuring effective timely care. This paper describes newborn care practices in urban slum "Rachna Town". Method: A quantitative baseline survey was conducted in Rachna Town among women who delivered with in last year (n = 168) 3 in depth semi structured focal group discussions well also carried out to in depth understand these Practices. Results: Majority of women delivered at home (98%). 37.2% women gave bath to baby immediately, 77.8% within 6 hours, while 18.3% within 7-24 hours and 4.2% after 24 hours. Only 18.8% babies were wrapped immediately before placenta was delivered while 71.5% of them were wrapped after delivery of placenta. Conclusion: Poor new born practices are seen in Rachna town, an urban Slum of Lahore. Interventional program should be started in these slums in the heart of Punjab.

Accessibility and utilization of healthcare plays a significant role in preventing complications during pregnancy, labor, and the early postnatal period. However, multiple barriers can prevent women from accessing services. The aim of this study was to explore the multifaceted barriers that inhibit women from seeking maternal and newborn health care in Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan. This study employed an interpretive research design using a purposive sampling approach. Pre-tested, semi-structured interview guides were used for data collection. The data were collected through eight focus group discussions with men and women, and six in-depth interviews with lady health workers and analyzed through thematic analysis. The study identified individual, sociocultural, and structural-level barriers that inhibit women from seeking maternal and newborn care. Individual barriers included mistrust towards public health facilities and inadequate symptom recognition. The three identified sociocultura...

Background: Neonatal mortality defined as a death during the first 28 days of life and is the most critical phase of child survival. In spite of the strong evidence supporting immediate and long term health benefits of timely initiation of breastfeeding in India, only two-fifths (44%) of children receive breastfeeding within 1 h of birth. This study aims to examine the role of a behavioral factor i.e., timing of initiation of breastfeeding on neonatal deaths. Methods: Data from India Human Development Survey-II (IHDS-II), 2011-12, a nationally representative, large scale population-based dataset has been used. Sample Registration System (SRS) has been used to examine the rate of change in Neonatal Mortality Rates from the year 2011 to 2015. District Level Household & Facility Survey (DLHS-4), 2012-2013 and Annual Health Survey(AHS), 2012-13 data have been used to show the district wise distribution of women who have breastfed their child within 1 h of birth. Population Attributable fraction has been computed using binary logistic regression model for various scenarios of breastfeeding within first hour of birth. Results: Less than one fourth (21%) of children were breastfed within 1 h of birth across the different districts of India, which varies from the lowest 15% in Sarasvati of Uttar Pradesh state to the highest 94.6% in Thiruvananthapuram of Kerala state. Findings suggest when women did not breastfeed their newborn within the 1 h after his birth, the odds of neonatal deaths were increased by nearly threefold (OR 2.93; 95% CI 1.89, 4.53) in comparison with those neonates who have breastfed within 1 h of birth. Population Attributable Risk estimates that the risk of the neonatal deaths could be reduced to a maximum of 15% when all babies would expose to early breastfeeding from the present level of breastfeeding. Conclusions: We found that timely initiation of breastfeeding is beneficial for child survival within the first 28 days of birth, including all causes of mortality. Therefore, efforts in formulating an effective policy focusing on early initiation of breastfeeding are needed.

Indonesia&#39;s progress on reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates has slowed in recent years, predominantly in rural areas. To reduce maternal and newborn mortality, access to quality and skilled care, particularly at the facility level, is crucial. Yet, accessing such care is often delayed when maternal and newborn complications arise. Using the &quot;Three Delays&quot; model originated by Thaddeus and Maine (1994), investigation into reasons for delaying the decision to seek care, delaying arrival at a health facility, and delaying the receiving of adequate care, may help in establishing more focused interventions to improve maternal and newborn health in this region. This qualitative study focused on identifying, analyzing, and describing illness recognition and care-seeking patterns related to maternal and newborn complications in the Jayawijaya district of Papua province, Indonesia. Group interviews were conducted with families and other caregivers from within 15 villag...