Assessment of Knowledge of Postnatal Mothers Regarding Management of Breast Feedings Problems at Lalla Ded Hospital, Srinagar with A View to Develop an Information Booklet

Abstract

Background: The pregnancy and postpartum period marks a significant
transition in a woman’s life. Understanding the relationship between
breastfeeding, postpartum care, and infant well-being is complex. Infants
who are not breastfed have higher risks of infectious morbidity, childhood
obesity, diabetes, leukemia, and sudden infant death syndrome. Mothers
who fail to breastfeed face increased risks of premenopausal breast
cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, myocardial infarction, metabolic
syndrome, and retained gestational weight gain. However, breastfeeding
can present challenges such as breast engorgement, plugged milk ducts,
mastitis, and sore nipples, leading to discomfort or pain and causing
many women to stop breastfeeding soon after delivery.
Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted among 80 postnatal
mothers selected through non-probability purposive sampling at Lalla Ded
Hospital, Srinagar. Data was collected using a self-structured interview
schedule.
Results: Among participants, 38.8% had inadequate knowledge, 32.5%
had moderate knowledge, and 28.8% had adequate knowledge about
managing breastfeeding problems. The mean knowledge score was
16.86±6.65 at a 0.05 significance level.
Conclusion: The study revealed inadequate knowledge among postnatal
mothers regarding breastfeeding problem management. Health education
programs are essential to improve awareness about breastfeeding
techniques, breast care, and problem management among postnatal
and antenatal mothers, reducing breastfeeding-related challenges.

How to cite this article:
Munawar T, Maqbool I, Baki S, Kachroo M,
Munvar R, Shafi M, Khan R, Ismail S, Hijazi R,
Mustafa T, Khursheed T, Rather O A. Assessment
of Knowledge of Postnatal Mothers Regarding
Management of Breast Feedings Problems at
Lalla Ded Hospital, Srinagar with A View to
Develop an Information Booklet. Trends Nurs
Adm Edu. 2024;13(2):9-14.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2348.2141.202403