Competency on Breast Feeding among Mothers of High Risk Babies and Practice of Nurses in Assisting the Mothers with a View to Develop A Protocol

Abstract

Introduction: The mother of a high risk neonate is confronted with numerous parenting challenges, not
the least of which is the decision about how to nourish her vulnerable newborn. Successful breastfeeding
depends on overcoming obstacles posed by neonate’s condition, maternal health, and intensive care unit
environment.
Objective: to assess the competency on breastfeeding among mothers of high risk babies and practice of
nurses in assisting the mothers in selected Intensive Care Unit, AIMS, Kochi, with a view to develop a
nursing care protocol.
Methodology: The descriptive research design was adopted and non-probability convenience sampling
technique was used to collect data from 40 mothers by using structured questionnaire and observational
checklists to assess the practice of mothers and staff nurses in NICU.
Results: The study reveals that 22 (55%) mothers were having average knowledge and most of the mothers
23 (57.5%) had poor practice regarding the breastfeeding of the high risk neonate in NICU. Most of the staff
nurses (50%) had average level of practice while assisting the mothers during breastfeeding in NICU. There
is significant association between knowledge and demographic variables like education of the mother, order
of pregnancy and source of knowledge.
Conclusion: The nursing protocol was implemented and established a comprehensive improvement in the
knowledge, care, support and management. Thus, the health care professional ultimately work towards
providing a positive impact on the lives of high risk neonate.