Journal of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences
DOI: 10.58739/jcbs/v16i2.25.345
Year: 2026, Volume: 16, Issue: 2, Pages: 47-51
Original Article
Jovitta Elsa Jose1, Jessica Carol Dsouza1, Jessica Sherlin Mascarenhas1, Joshna Sonal Dsouza1, Jennifer Monis1, Jeniva Weslia Vas1, Thamizharasi N 2*
13rd Year B.Sc. Nursing, Father Muller College of Nursing, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India.
2Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrical and Gynaecology Nursing, Father Muller College of Nursing, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India.
*Corresponding Author
Email: [email protected]
Received Date:12 September 2025, Accepted Date:14 November 2025, Published Date:15 June 2026
Breast milk is the most natural and complete source of nutrition for infants, while also strengthening the bond between mother and child. Breastfeeding, defined as feeding the baby directly from the breast rather than through bottles or substitutes, plays a vital role in infant health and survival[1]. Without breast milk, infants face reduced chances of survival and a higher risk of developing life-threatening conditions[2]. These considerations emphasize the importance of understanding breastfeeding practices and their benefits for both mother and child. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge of antenatal mothers regarding breastfeeding, breast milk expression, and preservation. A descriptive study design was adopted, and 176 antenatal mothers attending the Antenatal Clinic at Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Mangaluru, were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire. The findings revealed that 58.5% of participants had moderate knowledge, 38.6% had adequate knowledge, and 2.8% had inadequate knowledge. Knowledge scores were highest in the area of breast milk expression, followed by preservation, and lowest in breastfeeding. Statistical analysis showed no significant association between knowledge levels and selected demographic variables, except for monthly family income (p = 0.015) and source of information (p = 0.014). The study highlights the need for strengthening health education programs for antenatal mothers, with a focus on breastfeeding and breast milk preservation practices, to ensure optimal nutrition and improved health outcomes for infants.
Keywords: Breastfeeding, Breastmilk expression, Breastmilk preservation, Antenatal mothers, Knowledge
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Published By Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education, Kolar, Karnataka
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