Knowledge and Practices Among Immediate Post Partum Women About Colostrum at Women's Health Hospital

Abstract

Background: Breast feeding is a basic practice in Egypt but the importance of giving colostrum milk is still poorly known because cultural variations. Aim to assess knowledge and practices among immediate post partum women about Colostrum. Research design: descriptive study design was used to achieve the objective of this study. Subjects and methods: 350 women immediately after birth who met the criteria of selection that were involved in the study at Women's Health Hospital, Assuit University. A structured interview questionnaire developed to assess knowledge and practices of women about colostrum milk. Results: Most of women had not knowledge about the importance of colostrum. Unsatisfactory level of knowledge (82.6%) toward colostrum feeding reported by the studied women. Also poor practices of post partum mothers (58.6%) for feeding colostrum to their newborn were presented by the studied mothers. Conclusion: Most of women unsatisfactory level of knowledge about the importance of colostrum and more than fifth percent of them had poor practices; toward colostrum feeding. Recommendations: Improving Knowledge and Practices of women toward colostrum feeding, through arranged educational programs, health care providers should focus special attention for pregnant women in discussing colostrum feeding in the antenatal care follow up visits.