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Department of Anthropology, Andhra University, Andhra Pradesh, India
The breastfeeding and colostrum feeding habits of tribal women are strongly influenced by sociocultural values, customs, and educational attainment. The Konda Reddi, one of India's Most Vulnerable Tribal Groups (MVTGs), reside in the hilly, forested areas of Telangana's Khammam district and continue to follow traditional newborn care practices that may negatively impact infant health. This study examined pre-lacteal feeding habits, colostrum feeding practices, breastfeeding initiation patterns, and the socioeconomic and educational factors influencing these practices among Konda Reddi tribal women. The findings revealed that only 39.7% of mothers initiated breastfeeding within two hours of delivery. A striking 55.7% of women discarded colostrum due to perceived digestive heaviness, traditional beliefs, and advice from elders, while 37.7% of mothers engaged in pre-lacteal feeding, offering sugar water or honey to newborns. Breastfeeding initiation was significantly influenced by family wealth and education (p < 0.01), with early breastfeeding rates substantially higher among literate couples (78%) compared to illiterate couples (3%). These results demonstrate that despite government outreach efforts, harmful breastfeeding practices persist among the Konda Reddi due to deep-rooted cultural beliefs. Culturally sensitive health education and community-based counselling targeted at low-income and illiterate families are urgently needed to improve breastfeeding practices and reduce newborn mortality in this vulnerable population.
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the most effective nutritional intervention for newborn health and survival. The World Health Organization suggests that babies should only drink breast milk from the time they are born until they are six months old. They especially highlight colostrum, which is the first yellowish milk a mother produces right after giving birth, because it's very important for protecting the newborn's health and immunity. (WHO, 2003). Even though breastfeeding has many known advantages, how mothers start breastfeeding and whether they feed their babies colostrum can be very different depending on where they live, their culture, and their income level.
In India, tribal communities account for about 8.6% of the total population (Census of India, 2011), yet they experience a significantly higher rate of neonatal and infant mortality. The health of tribal women is made worse by being far from healthcare services, not having much education, living in poverty, and relying on traditional beliefs and religious practices for medical care. In many tribal communities, the way newborns are cared for, including how they are fed, is based on old traditions and beliefs that have been passed down for generations. These traditions sometimes go against the recommendations from modern medical science.
The Konda Reddi are one of the 75 Most Vulnerable Tribal Groups (MVTGs) identified by the Government of India. The Konda Reddis live in the forested hill areas and villages near the rivers in Khammam district of Telangana, along the Godavari River. They mainly rely on farming through shifting cultivation and gathering forest resources for their livelihood. Because they are cut off from regular health care and strongly follow traditional beliefs, they are especially at risk for health issues in newborn babies that could be avoided.
While several studies have documented breastfeeding practices among tribal communities in India (Giridhar & Lakshmi, 2012; Sharma et al., 2016; Sidhu, 2015), there is a marked scarcity of community-based research focusing specifically on the Konda Reddi of Telangana. Knowing how cultural beliefs affect breastfeeding habits in this community is important for creating public health programs that are respectful of their culture and more likely to work.
This study was done to look at how Konda Reddi tribal mothers start breastfeeding, whether they throw away colostrum, and if they give any other food or drink before breastfeeding. It also looks at how education and family income influence these practices.
OBJECTIVES
1. To assess the timing of breastfeeding initiation among Konda Reddi tribal mothers.
2. To investigate the prevalence and causes of colostrum discarding.
3. To document pre-lacteal feeding procedures and administration techniques.
4. To examine how breastfeeding and colostrum behaviors are impacted by a couple's education and family income.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study is a community-based descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in Aswaraopeta Mandal, which is part of Khammam District in the state of Telangana, India. Khammam district has the highest concentration of tribal population in Telangana, with a Scheduled Tribe population of 1,99,342, which constitutes 14.08% of the district's total population. Six villages that have a large number of Konda Reddi people — Gogulapudi, Kannaigudem, Gopannagudem, Reddygudem, Anantharam, and Chennapuram — were chosen for the study.
A total of 300 households were covered using the Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) sampling method, with the number of households from each village determined proportionally to its population. Only families where the woman had given birth in the last three years were chosen, because they could remember how they fed their babies more clearly without being confused by forgetting things.
Data were gathered through structured personal interviews held in the local Telugu dialect. In addition to quantitative data from moms, qualitative information on traditional beliefs and practices was obtained informally from community elders and traditional healers. Paramedical personnel (ANMs) opinions on the use of mother and child health services were also collected to provide a contextual understanding.
The key variables that were investigated were: (i) the time of breastfeeding commencement after birth, (ii) whether colostrum was fed or discarded, (iii) the reasons for denying colostrum, and (iv) pre-lacteal feeding habits and manner of administration. Explanatory variables included the couple's education (both illiterate vs. at least one educated) and family income (poor vs. high, as measured by the median monthly income of Rs. 2,445).
The analysis of data involved the use of descriptive statistics, specifically frequencies and percentages. To evaluate the statistical significance of the relationships between breastfeeding practices and relevant factors such as the education level of couples and their family income, chi-square tests were conducted. A p-value of less than 0.05 was deemed statistically significant.
All participants provided their verbal informed consent before the interview commenced. Throughout the research, the confidentiality and anonymity of the participants were preserved. The study adhered to the ethical guidelines outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki.
RESULTS
Out of the 300 women surveyed, around 62% were unable to read or write. Most of the participants (99%) were engaged in agriculture as their main occupation.The typical monthly income for families was Rs. 2,445, with 62% of households earning between Rs. 1,501 and Rs. 2,500 each month. The average number of members in a family was 4.2. Approximately 69% of the respondents lived in nuclear families.
Table 1 shows the distribution of the 300 Konda Reddi mothers' timing of breastfeeding initiation. As recommended by the WHO, only 39.7% (n=119) initiated breastfeeding within two hours of delivery. On the same day of delivery, another 30.3% (n=91) initiated it two hours later. A significant percentage of mothers—21.0% (n=63)—started breastfeeding as soon as one day after giving birth, whereas 9.0% (n=27) waited until two days.
Table 1: Timing of Breastfeeding Initiation after Birth (N=300)
|
Timing of Breastfeeding Initiation |
Number (n) |
Percentage (%) |
|
Within two hours of birth |
119 |
39.7 |
|
After two hours, same day |
91 |
30.3 |
|
After one day |
63 |
21.0 |
|
After two days |
27 |
9.0 |
|
Total |
300 |
100.0 |
Source: Primary field data, Aswaraopeta Mandal, Khammam, Telangana.
A notable 55.7% (n=167) of mothers opted to discard colostrum instead of providing it to their newborns, in contrast to 44.3% (n=133) who chose to feed the colostrum to their babies. The rationale for the 167 mothers who discarded colostrum is illustrated in Table 2. The primary reason most commonly mentioned for discarding colostrum was attributed to 'traditional belief' (53.9%), followed closely by the advice given by 'elders' (46.7%). Additionally, the belief that 'colostrum is difficult to digest' was noted by 47.3% of respondents, while 41.9% perceived colostrum as 'not pure or being stagnant milk.' Furthermore, 37.7% of mothers expressed the belief that it is 'not beneficial for the child.' It is important to highlight that these explanations are not exclusive to one another, as mothers could provide several reasons for their decisions.
Table 2: Reasons for Discarding Colostrum (n=167; Multiple Responses)
|
Reason for Discarding Colostrum |
Number (n) |
Percentage (%) |
|
Traditional belief |
90 |
53.9 |
|
Heavy to digest |
79 |
47.3 |
|
Elder's advice |
78 |
46.7 |
|
Not pure / stagnant milk |
70 |
41.9 |
|
Not good for the child |
63 |
37.7 |
Source: Primary field data, Aswaraopeta Mandal, Khammam, Telangana.
New Born pre-lacteal feeding was reported by 37.7% (n=113) of the 300 mothers. The most popular pre-lacteal feed was sugar water (59.3%; n=67), which was followed by honey (28.3%; n=32) and breast milk from another mother (12.4%; n=14). In terms of the mode of administration, cotton was used by 41.6% (n=47), a piece of cloth by 27.4% (n=31), used spoon by 19.5% (n=22), and using fingers by 9.7% (n=11).
Table 3: Type and Method of Pre-Lacteal Feeding (n=113)
|
Category |
Type / Method |
Number (n) |
Percentage (%) |
|
Pre-Lacteal Feed Type |
Sugar water |
67 |
59.3 |
|
|
Honey |
32 |
28.3 |
|
|
Other mother's milk |
14 |
12.4 |
|
Method of Administration |
Cotton |
47 |
41.6 |
|
|
Piece of cloth |
31 |
27.4 |
|
|
Spoon |
22 |
19.5 |
|
|
Fingers |
11 |
9.7 |
Source: Primary field data, Aswaraopeta Mandal, Khammam, Telangana.
Table 4 shows how initiating breastfeeding and throwing away colostrum differ based on the education level of couples and their family income.
Table 4: Breastfeeding Initiation and Colostrum Discarding by Education and Income
|
Variable |
Both Illiterate (%) |
At Least One Literate (%) |
Low Income (%) |
High Income (%) |
Chi-Square Sig. |
|
Breastfeeding within 2 hours |
3.2 |
78.1 |
30.0 |
63.2 |
p < 0.01 |
|
Colostrum Discarded |
82.5 |
13.0 |
63.8 |
35.6 |
p < 0.01 |
|
Pre-Lacteal Feed Given |
58.4 |
15.8 |
41.8 |
27.6 |
p < 0.05 |
Source: Primary field data, Aswaraopeta Mandal, Khammam, Telangana.
A significant relationship between a couple's level of education and their breastfeeding habits was very important. For couples who are literate about 78.1% started breastfeeding within two hours after giving birth, while this was true for just 3.2% of couples who are illiterate (Chi-square = 178.284; df=3; p < 0.01). Likewise, the rate of discarding colostrum was significantly higher among illiterate couples (82.5%) compared to those who were educated (13.0%).
Family earnings played a major role in shaping practices. In the high-income category, 63.2% of mothers breastfed within two hours, whereas only 30.0% did so in the low-income category. Among the low-income group, 63.8% stated they discarded colostrum, while in the high-income group, it was only 35.6%. Pre-lacteal feeding was more common among couples with no formal education (58.4%) and also among those with lower income (41.8%).
DISCUSSION
The results of this research underscore the intricate relationship between cultural customs and scientifically supported newborn care methods among the Konda Reddi. Less than 40% of the mothers in the study started breastfeeding within the first hour after giving birth, which is significantly below the national tribal average cited in NFHS-III (2005-06). This aligns with observations from other tribal populations throughout India, where the delay to start breastfeeding is recognized as a common issue (Sharma et al., 2016; Mondal et al., 2014).
The significant rate of colostrum being discarded (55.7%) is a major concern for public health. Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins, especially secretory IgA, which gives newborns passive immunity against gut infections and respiratory diseases (WHO, 2003). Discarding deprives infants of this essential safeguard during their most delicate stage of life. Similar reports of colostrum discarding have been observed among the Gadaba and Konda Dora tribes in Visakhapatnam (Giridhar & Lakshmi, 2012), tribal communities in Gujarat (Sharma et al., 2013), as well as the Thadou tribe in Manipur (Tonjam & Arun Kumar, 2015).
The cultural reasons for rejecting colostrum—seen as 'stale', 'hard to digest', or 'dirty'—seem to be a strong ethno-medical belief passed down through generations by elders and traditional birth attendants. These views aren't unique to the Konda Reddi; they represent a wider trend in South Asian tribal societies, where the scientific perspective that sees colostrum as beneficial conflicts strongly with indigenous conceptualizations of the postpartum body and the vulnerability of newborns.
The tradition of giving sugar water and honey to infants before breastfeeding — though declining — but still significant at 37.7%. Honey can lead to a dangerous condition called infant botulism (Clostridium botulinum), and sugar water can replace breast milk consumption, risking contamination from unsanitary feeding methods like cotton and cloth. These insights highlight the importance of focused guidance from Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) within communities.
The strong association between literacy and positive breastfeeding habits is a recurring theme in research (Sidhu, 2015; Rani et al., 2010) and is strongly supported by current findings. The notable difference in early breastfeeding initiation between illiterate couples (3.2%) and literate couples (78.1%) underscores that education is the most influential factor for proper breastfeeding practices in this situation. Specific literacy initiatives aimed at tribal women, especially regarding reproductive and child health, should be part of primary health strategies.
While family income impacts breastfeeding habits, its effect is less significant than education, indicating that poverty isn't the main issue. Instead, it's the combination of illiteracy, cultural attitudes, and geographic isolation that together hinder the Konda Reddi from following WHO's recommended practices for newborn care.
CONCLUSION
This research study shows that the practices of breastfeeding and using colostrum among Konda Reddi tribal mothers are greatly influenced by cultural traditions, knowledge passed down from older generations, and low levels of education. The discarding of colostrum and delayed breastfeeding puts Konda Reddi new born babies at higher risk for infections and death in their critical neonatal period.
Education stands out as the key factor for good breastfeeding practices. It is crucial to have community-focused health education programs that honour and connect with traditional wisdom, while also clearly explaining the health benefits of colostrum and the risks associated with feeding newborns before breastfeeding. It is suggested to train and empower ASHAs and ANMs—trusted figures in the community—to provide personal guidance to expectant mothers and new parent mothers. Moreover, indigenous practitioners (local) and elders should be included as allies in health education instead of being viewed as adversaries of modern medical practices.
The traditional knowledge of herbal remedies and indigenous childcare techniques found in this community is a precious ethno-medical resource that, when scientifically validated, can enhance contemporary maternal and child health care. Policy actions need to take a culturally aware and evidence-based approach to lessen neonatal death rates among the Konda Reddi and other similar tribal groups across Telangana state and India.
REFERENCES
Avanthi Cheeli*, P Jyothirmai, Breastfeeding and Colostrum Practices among the Konda Reddi-Tribal Women of Khammam District, Telangana: A Socio-Cultural Analysis, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2026, 3 (5), 11-16. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19970893
10.5281/zenodo.19970893