Indian Journal of Forensic and Community Medicine

Knowledge Regarding Breastfeeding amongst ANC Women in Rural Field Practice Area of IIMSR Medical College, Badnapur, Maharashtra, India

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Author Details: Rajesh C. Sambutwad, Mohd. Shafee, Pankaj R. Gangwal

Volume : 3

Issue : 1

Online ISSN : 2394-6776

Print ISSN : 2394-6768

Article First Page : 36

Article End Page : 39

Abstract

Background: Today many health authorities consider human breast milk the healthiest form of milk for babies. Breastfeeding promotes the health of both the mother and the infant and also helps to prevent disease. Inadequate knowledge of breastfeeding may lead to undesirable consequences.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from July to September 2014 in the field practice area of Dept. of Community Medicine of Indian Institute of Medical Science & Research (IIMSR) Medical College, Badnapur, Jalna, Maharashtra, India. A total of 200 antenatal care women were selected by convenience sampling method.
Results: Out of 200 ANC women, 63.5% showed average quality of knowledge about breast feedings. 68.5% participants know that first milk (colostrum) should be given to a newborn. 47% participants know that breastfeeding should be started within one hour after delivery. 59% of participant knows that exclusive breast feeding should be continue up to 6 month and 65.5 % knows that breast feeding should be continue up to two years.
Conclusions: The study shows that there is inadequate knowledge regarding breastfeeding amongst ANC women. Hence there are need to improve the level of knowledge about breast feeding among ANC women.

Keywords: Antenatal care, Breastfeeding, Knowledge, Rural India