A Descriptive Study to Assess the Level of Knowledge Regarding Importance of Colostrum among Postnatal Mothers in Selected Hospital of Guwahati, Assam

Maisnam Pratima Devi

Abstract: "A newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, foods from her breast and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three" - Grantly Dick. The medical dictionary define as ?the first milk secreted at the time of parturition differing from the milk secreted later, by containing more lactalbumin and lactoprotein, and also being rich in antibodies that confer passive immunity to the newborn also called "foremilk". It lasts for 2 - 4 days after the lactation is started colostrum is very important component of the breast milk and it has role to play in immune system of every mammal. Human colostrum is the first milk produced after birth and is particularly rich in immunoglobulin (Ig), antimicrobial peptides (lactoferin and lacto peroxidise) and other bioactive molecule, including growth factors which are important for nutrition, growth and development of newborn infants and also for passive immunity. This "early" milk has nutrient profile and immunological composition substantially different from ?mature? milk. It contains macronutrient like proteins, carbohydrates, oligosaccharides, fats and micronutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, oligosaccharides, fats and micronutrients like vitamins and minerals., also growth factors, antimicrobial compounds and immune regulating constituents either not present substantially in lower concentration.1 Hence both human and bovin colostrum a complete diet with all the essential nutrients for the neonatal during the initial phase of its life, colostrum also provides essential immunological protection. In ruminants in particular, for which no exchange of immune factors occurs in utero, colostrum and, to a lesser extent, milk provide through a high immunoglobulin (Ig) content, without which the ruminant would not survive.1 Globally, more than 4000 infants and young children die because they do not get colostrum within the 1st hour after birth, unfortunately colostrum feeding is not given to newborn for various societal myths and misconception. Mother and children constitute one fourth of the total national population. They are the most vulnerable group to ill health. One of the main causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity is inadequate breastfeeding following faulty breastfeeding technique, ignorance of mother regarding feeding practices. Many cultural belief and practices all prevalent in postpartum period that some mother may not feed the baby immediately after birth. They neglect colostrum instead of it they will give sugar water plain, honey etc.8 In Nepal, there are differences in cultures in the acceptability of colostrum and the prevalence of colostrum feeding. Although, breastfeeding is a common practice in Nepal, importance of colostrum feeding is still poorly understood. A study conducted on the awareness of the importance of colostrum feeding in pregnant women. The study shows that 74% of women had heard about colostrum, 69% knew that it is nutritious milk to be fed to the new born babies. Nine percent (9%) women were aware about its protective effect and 41 % had knowledge that it helps in proper growth of children and fight against infections. Thus, the student researcher felt one need to carry out a study an importance of colostrum among post-natal mother in the state of Assam.

Keywords: Knowledge, colostrums, postnatal mothers