Neonatal Care Practices Among First-Time Mothers: A Study At La-Nkwantanang Madina Municipality

ABSTRACT Background: Several neonatal deaths are recorded in developing countries such as Ghana, and some of these result from inappropriate neonatal care practices of mothers. The neonates of first-time mothers in particular are more at risk of receiving improper care due to lack of experience of the mothers. That is why mothers are encouraged to attend postnatal clinic. However, there is very little research information on the neonatal care practices of first-time mothers and the association between postnatal clinic attendance and neonatal care practices among first-time mothers. Information about these are necessary to help advance knowledge and empower first-time mothers to reduce morbidity and mortality during neonatal period. Objective: The main objective of this study was to explore neonatal care practices among firsttime mothers and assess the practices that are influenced by postnatal attendance. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 80 first-time mothers in two Polyclinics in Madina and Pentecost Hospital in La-nkwantang Madina Municipal Assembly using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using STATA version 14. Results: Seventy-five percent of respondents practiced exclusive breastfeeding and all respondents fed their babies with colostrum. Also, 73.75% of respondents washed their hands always before dressing the cord of their babies, but only 7.5% of the first-time mothers washed their hands before breastfeeding. Majority (91%) of respondents had poor knowledge of danger signs in the neonate, and majority (66%) failed to comply with the required postnatal visits. The chi-square tests established the existence of relationship between postnatal attendance and feeding of baby with both breasts at each feed (p=0.034); postnatal attendance and burping of baby after each feed (p=0.002); postnatal attendance and breastfeeding of baby when mother had sore nipple (p=0.014). There was also relationship v between postnatal attendance and period breastfeeding started after delivery (p=0.046); and postnatal attendance and period mothers give water to their babies (p=0.011). Conclusion: Although the general breastfeeding and cord care practices of first-time mothers were good, their knowledge of danger signs were poor and their postnatal attendance was low. Postnatal attendance has relationship with certain neonatal practices among first-time mothers and must be encouraged Keywords: First-time mothers; neonates; breastfeeding practices; cord care; recognition of danger signs; postnatal care.