الفهرس 
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Abstract
Colostrum is a sticky, yellow fluid secreted from the breast from about the sixth month of pregnancy and is immediately available to the newborn at the time of birth. It contains some nutrients in higher concentration than that in mature breast milk, such as vitamins A and E, carotenoids, protein and minerals, but contains less glucose and urea. The positive role of colostrum in fighting infections and potentiating growth and development of the newborn is widely acknowledged. Colostrum is thought to decrease infant morbidity, especially among those in non-industrialized populations, by reducing the risk of ear and respiratory infections, gastroenteritis as well as diarrheal disease. These benefits are thought to arise from both the passive immunity conferred through colostrum, and by reducing or eliminating unsafe pre-lacteal feeding practices. On the other hand, breast-feeding positively impacts the health of the woman by minimizing postpartum bleeding and expediting uterine recovery. Therefore, early initiation of breast-feeding is the most effective health promotion intervention to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
Despite the unequivocal benefits of colostrum, the practice of withholding it from the newborn is widespread. Variation exists between countries regarding length of time and reasons for withholding colostrum. Pre-lacteal food is given to babies when breast-feeding is delayed until the milk is in. They could be any food or drink other than breast milk such as formula, sugar water, honey and butter, oil, or breast fed by another lactating woman in the family. Traditional practices and cultural beliefs appear to be an important factor in the decision to delay breast-feeding. In some cultures, there is an erroneous belief that the colostrum is not good for the infant, which may be a barrier to early initiation of breast-feeding. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify beliefs and practices of rural women regarding colostrum.
The study was carried out on a convenient sample of 300 postpartum, lactating mothers with normal vaginal delivery and healthy, full term babies. These mothers were selected from 6 Maternal and Child Health clinics of 6 Rural Health Units (Trouga, Kom El-Kadah, Manshiet Sarwat, El-Ghyatah, El-Mahdya and El-Negela) affiliated to Ministry of Health and Population in Abo El-Matamer district of Beheira Governorate.