BACKGROUND : Globally, the Neonatal Mortality Rate was 17 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2019. In India, it was 22 deaths
per 1000 live births. Neonatal deaths contribute a greater proportion of Infant and Under 5 mortality rate. The care during
this period is very critical for the growth and development of the child. Breastfeeding is one of the important aspect of
essential newborn care.
METHOD : The Community based Cross sectional study was conducted among 110 Postnatal mothers of villages in Vellore
district. Study duration was from August 2020 to December 2021. Questionnaire regarding Knowledge of Breastfeeding
and Determinants of Pre-lacteal feeding practices was administered and responses were obtained.
RESULTS : About 55% of the participants belonged to joint family, 52% had completed high school education, 45%
belonged to Upper Lower Class(Class IV) according to B.G.Prasad scale. 99% had institutional delivery. About 57% of the
mothers considered the first hour of birth as the best time to initiate breastfeeding.43% had poor knowledge regarding
breastfeeding. 13% practiced prelacteal feed, the commonest are sugar water and honey.
CONCLUSION : The knowledge regarding initiation of breastfeeding, duration of exclusive breastfeeding, start of
complementary feed and ill-effects of prelacteal feeding was not adequate. Advise to both mothers and their family
members are needed for appropriate feeding of the newborn.