Beliefs and practices of newborn feeding in tribal areas of India: a decennary review

Latha Srikanth; Kamala Subbiah; Srikanth Srinivasan

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20170250

Authors

Latha Srikanth Department of Pediatric Nursing, Indirani College of Nursing, Puducherry, India
Kamala Subbiah Department of Pediatric Nursing, Rani Meyyammai College of Nursing, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, India
Srikanth Srinivasan Department of Community Medicine, Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Puducherry, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20170250

Keywords:

Breast feeding, Colostrums, Infant feeding, Prelacteal feed, Tribes

Abstract

Background: Newborn feeding among tribes in India is influenced by traditional beliefs and practices. Each tribal community has its own unique feeding practices which have considerable impact on the health and survival of infants. Information about these practices is vital in planning effective child health services.

Methods: A review of published articles in Google Scholar and Pubmed databases during the period 2006 to 2016 was carried out to retrieve information on newborn feeding practices in tribal areas in various parts of India. Prelacteal feeding, feeding of colostrums and time of initiation of breastfeeding were considered for analysis.

Results: Thirteen full text studies were reviewed. It was observed that the newborns had been fed with prelacteal feeds such as plain water, sugar or salt solution, honey, diluted cow’s milk and milk mixed with jaggery. The beliefs were that these feeds help to resist hunger, clean the tongue and stimulate suckling. The common beliefs for delayed initiation of breastfeeding were that it was harmful or not ready to be fed for 3 days. The reasons for discarding colostrums were that it was impure, causes indigestion or diarrhea. These harmful practices were observed to be prevalent among most of the tribes in different geographic locations of India.

Conclusions: There is a need to explore the area specific tribal cultural feeding beliefs and practices. This could enhance the knowledge of healthcare providers to promote proper newborn rearing.

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