Colostrum Feeding And Complications Faced Post Caesarean Delivery: A Propensity Score Matching Approach

Abstract Background: In previous decade, the rate of caesarean section has increased disproportionately in India. Breastfeeding in an hour post birth i.e. Colostrum feeding has benefits associated to both mother as well as child. Cesarean delivery is one of the most remarkable risk factor for postpartum infection. The infection can be there in the uterus or vagina and can be accompanied by fever, sepsis etc. Both these aspects in the periphery of C-section need to be thrown a light because these are proximately affecting maternal health. This paper aims to examine the colostrum feeding practices of mothers giving birth via C-section and the difference that exists between C-section and normal delivery on post-natal complications or intrication faced by women. Method: The study used data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) acquired in India, i.e., the fourth round of National Family and Health Survey (2015-16). Bivariate and multivariate has been carried out to know the difference in prevalence of colostrum feeding among mothers who have delivered by C-section and those who delivered normally. Propensity score matching (PSM) has been used in the study; it helped us to find an effective strategy for controlling the confounding influence of post-natal complications faced among caesarean and normal delivery mothers. Results: It is found, among the unmatched treatment group i.e., mothers delivered under caesarean section, the prevalence of post-natal complications is around 24%, and the same for control group i.e. those who delivered normally is 18%. After matching, the value of ATT is around 24% in treatment group and 17.4 in control group. Conclusion: Study concluded that women who delivered via C-section actually had lower prevalence of feeding colostrum to the new born in comparison to those who delivered normally. Results of PSM analysis also showed that post-natal complications faced by women who delivered normally were higher than those who delivered via C-section.