Awareness Regarding Colostrum Feeding Among Nursing Females: Colostrum feeding in Females

Zainab  Murtaza Malhi; Faiz-ul-Hassan  Shah; Noor ul  Huda; Maria  Aslam; Misbah  Arshad

doi:10.54393/df.v3i1.52

Authors

Zainab Murtaza Malhi University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore
Faiz-ul-Hassan Shah The Islamia University, Bahawalpur
Noor ul Huda University of Agriculture, Sub campus Toba Tek Singh
Maria Aslam University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore
Misbah Arshad University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/df.v3i1.52

Keywords:

Colostrum, Breast feeding, Females, Children

Abstract

The significance of colostrum in promoting infant growth and development and fighting infections is widely recognized, but its acceptance and feeding frequency vary across different ethnicities across Pakistan. Objective: To assess the awareness of females regarding colostrum feeding and breast feeding. Methods: Location of the study was Sheikh Zaid Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. Sample size was 100 and was calculated using non-probability convenient sampling technique. A questionnaire was used to obtain data from females that visited the hospital. Results: The findings indicated that 79 of the 100 women had knowledge of breastfeeding, whereas 21 did not. Only 33 women immediately began breastfeeding after giving birth, as opposed to 67 who did not. The research also showed that just 10 women thought of colostrum as a comprehensive source of nutrients, whereas the other 90 did not. Conclusions: Based on these results, it can be concluded that there is a need to improve the knowledge, attitude, and practice of colostrum feeding among mothers, as many of them are unaware of its importance and the need for initiating breastfeeding soon after delivery.

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