Article Details

Neonatal mortality remains a critical global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The first four weeks of life are crucial for an infant’s survival, and essential newborn care practices play a significant role in reducing mortality rates. This study assesses the knowledge and attitudes of postnatal mothers regarding essential newborn care at the National Hospital Kandy, Sri Lanka. The study also aims to highlight key gaps in maternal knowledge regarding newborn care, particularly in areas such as breastfeeding, immunization, and cord care. A structured cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted, where 384 postnatal mothers were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire. The findings reveal that while knowledge of breastfeeding practices was high, significant gaps existed in areas such as immunization and thermal regulation. The study highlights the necessity of improved health education programs and enhanced healthcare provider training to ensure optimal newborn care practices. The research also explores socio-demographic factors that influence knowledge and attitudes towards newborn care and provides evidence-based recommendations for policy development and healthcare.