Insights into Changing Newborn Care and Infant Feeding Practices in Rural India

A recent qualitative study explored evolving newborn care and infant-feeding practices in rural regions predominantly inhabited by Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes. With notable improvements in health indicators, the research examined how traditional and modern practices coexist and what drives behavioral changes among caregivers.

The findings revealed that healthier practices—such as exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, timely bathing, and prompt healthcare-seeking for minor illnesses—are now more common among mothers. Traditional methods, including the use of cow ghee or breast milk in infants’ eyes, application of ash on the umbilical cord, and reliance on herbal remedies, though once prevalent among grandmothers, are gradually declining. However, cultural customs to protect infants from the “evil eye” remain widely practiced.

The study also highlighted a clear shift toward improved health-seeking behaviors and greater engagement with formal healthcare systems. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) were identified as key agents in promoting safe practices and facilitating access to healthcare services.

These findings underscore the importance of culturally informed interventions to sustain positive behavioral changes while discouraging harmful traditional practices. Strengthening community-based health initiatives through ASHAs and Anganwadi workers remains critical for improving newborn care outcomes in rural India.

Source:

Thomas L, Arun S, Varughese DT, Soreng CK, Manjari BP, Khosla PS, Pani DK. Exploring the shift in newborn care practices among mothers and grandmothers in rural Odisha, India – a qualitative study. BMC Pediatrics. 2024;24(1):432. doi:10.1186/s12887-024-04916-7.