Knowledge Regarding Lactation Diet Among Caregivers of Postnatal Mothers in a View to Develop Information Booklet

Background: The role of primary caregiver is crucial in providing care to primigravida mothers in improving health by supporting breastfeeding. According to UNICEF poor nutrition taken by lactating mother is more affecting on infants as well as mothers health. Caregivers are most responsible for provision of postnatal care at hospital and at home too as they used their previous experiences during taking care of postnatal mothers. Food taboos during lactation are stronger than the pregnancy period. According to ministry of family and health welfare it is important to fill the gap between knowledge and practices. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and self-reported cultural practices regarding diet during lactation among caregivers with a view of developing information booklet. Methodology: Quantitative research approach is been adopted wherein the non-experimental exploratory research design was used for this study. Approval was taken from IEC, BV (DU) CON, Pune. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from caregivers which was validated from the experts and reliability, pilot study was done to conduct the study. The study was conducted on 200 caregivers of primipara postnatal mothers from selected hospitals of Pune city. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result: Majority (73%) findings of the caregivers have average knowledge regarding diet during lactation and also it showed significant association between age, religion, relationship with postnatal mother and dietary pattern of postnatal mother. Conclusion: To conclude this study on basis of above findings, the aim of this study is achieved. Hence researcher has developed information booklet to update complete knowledge regarding diet during lactation also myths were discussed with the help of evidences.