HANDLING AND STORAGE OF EXPRESSED BREAST MILK: KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE AMONG WORKING LACTATING MOTHERS AT A SELECTED PRIVATE WOMEN & CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Abstract

Breastfeeding offers many benefits for both the mother and the child. The first step toward healthy nutrition is a successful breastfeeding start. Breastfeeding is a natural stage following delivery and a unique gift from a mother to her child. In neonatal facilities and many homes, particularly among working women who must return to work shortly after birth, the use of expressed breast milk has been promoted as an efficient method of storing expressed breast milk for any significant length of time if necessary. The goal of the research was to evaluate working women's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding breast milk expression and preservation at Hospital D. A cross-sectional study of 120 working women at Hospital D was conducted. To determine knowledge and practice, a structured questionnaire with open and closed-ended questions was utilised, while a Likert scale was used to examine mothers' views regarding breast milk expression and storage. The study revealed knowledge gaps in the expression and storage of breastmilk that need to be addressed to enable the mothers to fully utilize the lactation and breastfeeding experience even though they have a busy work-life schedule.