Cultural practices regarding breastfeeding among postnatal mothers in pims, pondicherry

Introduction: Culture includes customs, beliefs, laws, religious practices etc acquired through generation, which impacts prosperity and sickness.1 Breastfeeding is influenced by economy, religion, kinship system and the growing sophistication of communications and medical technology. Though there are many advantages in feeding breast milk, there are many cultural practices regarding breastfeeding are still present. Breastfeeding is culturally well accepted but inadequately practiced. Statement of the problem: A Study to Explore the Cultural Practices Regarding Breastfeeding among Postnatal Mothers in PIMS, Pondicherry. Objectives: To explore the cultural practices regarding breastfeeding among postnatal mothers. To associate the cultural practices with selected socio demographic variables among postnatal mothers. Methodology: Quantitative approach with Non Experimental Descriptive Research Design was adopted for the study. Formal permission was obtained from HOD, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for conducting the main study. 60 postnatal mothers who attended OBG units of Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences were selected using purposive sampling technique. Data collection was done using a Semi Structured Interview Questionnaire on cultural practices regarding breast feeding among postnatal mothers. The collected data was compiled for data analysis. Result: In the present study, Antenatal preparation for breastfeeding reveals that most of the mothers practiced cleaning the breast with soap and water while bathing 17 (28.3%), mothers had a practice of intake of more fish and garlic to increase the breast milk secretion 51 (85%), foods recommended culturally during breastfeeding period was egg and meat 34 (56.7%) , most mothers avoided the intake of mango 25 (41.7%) and cold beverages 23 (38.3%), still mothers had a practice of giving water 7 (11.5%), and sugar water 2 (3.3%) as first feed to the baby, still some mothers think that colostrums is a infectious milk and milk which has to be discarded. Mothers had a practice of temporary stoppage of breastfeeding if she was suffering from breast problem or any other ailments (fever) 25 (41.7%). Some mother had a practice of giving cow’s milk / formula feed when she is suffering from fever 50 (80.3%). Mothers had a practice of giving artificial feed during night time if she is suffering from breast problem and breast milk is not sufficient 44 (40%). Most of the mothers were not had a practice of breast milk storage 40 (66.7%). Conclusion: The findings of the study revealed that most of the postnatal mothers were still practicing the cultural practices regarding breastfeeding. There was a significant association between some of the demographic variables with cultural practices regarding breastfeeding. Elderly in the family place an important role in determining the cultural practice to be followed regarding breast feeding. Hence there is a necessity for providing information and education on myths and facts of breastfeeding for protecting and promoting healthy practices on breastfeeding.