Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge on Practice Regarding Breast Feeding Among Postnatal Women Seeking Medical Services in Shri Vinoba Bhave Civil Hospital, Silvassa

Breast feeding is a mother's gift for herself, her baby and earth. Breastfeeding is an instinctual, natural act and an art that is learned day by day. It is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants. Mothers have many doubts and fears about breastfeeding and caring for their young ones. As breast feeding has so many advantages for mothers as well as children but having inadequate knowledge of mothers, because of lack of time and superstitious beliefs they neglect it. Hence, this study focused to assess the knowledge on breast feeding practice among postnatal women.

Quantitative approach with descriptive survey design was used. By convenient sampling technique 65 postnatal women were selected. Data were collected by using check list regarding knowledge on breast feeding practice and it was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Socio- demographic variable of Post natal Women shows that maximum women (69.23%) were in 21-25 years of age and most of the women (55.38%) were primary educated. Most of the women (60%) were Home maker. More than half of the husbands (60%) were private employee. Majority of the women (41.53.0%) were having family monthly income of Rs. <5000. Maximum women (53.84%) were living in joint family. Majority women (89.23%) were belongs to Hindu religion, more than half women (52.30%) were non-vegetarian, maximum (55.38%) were Primigravida. Most of the women (75.38%) were from tribal area and most of the women (83.07%) were got knowledge on breast feeding practices from health care personal. Most of the Post natal Women (59%) were having very good knowledge on breast feeding practice. The chi square value showed that there was a no significant association between the findings and socio- demographic variables.