A study on traditional beliefs and practices on newborn care among the mothers in selected hospitals Shillong, Meghalaya

Background: Traditional beliefs continue to influence newborn care practices despite improvements in maternal and child health services. While some cultural practices are beneficial, others may adversely affect neonatal health. The present study assessed traditional beliefs and practices regarding newborn care among mothers attending selected hospitals in Shillong, Meghalaya. Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 mothers of infants aged 0–6 months attending the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) and Ganesh Das Government Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shillong, Meghalaya. Participants were recruited using a consecutive sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics and semi-structured questionnaires on traditional beliefs and newborn care practices. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. Frequencies and percentages were used for descriptive analysis, and the Chi-square test was used to examine associations between newborn care practices and selected socio-demographic variables. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Overall, 68.1% of mothers demonstrated adequate newborn care practices, while 31.9% had inadequate practices. The commonly reported practices included hand hygiene before handling the newborn (91.2%), colostrum feeding (83.1%), avoidance of pre-lacteal feeding (82.5%), and dry cord care (80.0%). Potentially harmful practices included bathing within 24 hours of birth (30.6%), pre-lacteal feeding (17.5%), application of substances to the umbilical cord (15.6%), and use of herbal remedies (14.4%). Traditional beliefs concerning maternal dietary restrictions (76.9%), the influence of maternal diet on breast milk (53.1%), and elders’ involvement in newborn-care decisions (45.0%) were also reported. Marital status was significantly associated with overall newborn care practices (p=0.034). Conclusions: Although most mothers reported adequate newborn care practices, certain traditional beliefs and potentially harmful practices persisted. Culturally sensitive, evidence-based health education involving mothers and family members is essential to reinforce safe newborn care while respectfully addressing practices that may place newborns at risk.