Piyaporn Prasitwattanaseree. Effect of a breastfeeding skill training and supportive program on 6-month-exclusive breastfeeding among first-time mothers. Doctoral Degree(Nursing). Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center. : Mahidol University, 2017.
Effect of a breastfeeding skill training and supportive program on 6-month-exclusive breastfeeding among first-time mothers
Abstract:
The importance of exclusive breastfeeding is continually emphasized, but the incidence of exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months does not meet this recommendation. Many breastfeeding problems stem from improper positioning, and incorrect latch-on techniques; therefore, the mother requires learning skill on positioning and latching techniques to successfully achieve exclusive breastfeeding. The purpose of this study was to test the effects of a breastfeeding skill training and supportive program on exclusive breastfeeding for six months among first-time mothers. Pender's Health Promotion Model (HPM) provided the theoretical framework of this study. The 84 first-time mothers were recruited to the study and randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group with 42 mothers in each group. The sample in the control group received only routine nursing care, while those in the experimental group participated in the breastfeeding skill training and supportive program combined with routine nursing care. Data were collected by demographic characteristic questionnaire, breastfeeding self-efficacy scale short form (BSES-SF), effective suckling checklist, feeding monitoring form and problems related to breastfeeding record form. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months and BSES scores at discharge and at 6 weeks were compared between experimental and control groups by Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U-test, respectively. The findings showed that 36.6% of mothers in the experimental group achieved 6 months exclusive breastfeeding compared to 14.3% in the control group. The rate of 6 months exclusive breastfeeding in the experimental and the control groups significantly differed (p=.011). Furthermore, the mothers in the experimental group had higher mean scores of breastfeeding self-efficacy than those in the control group at discharge and at 6 weeks postpartum at a statistically significant level (p=.011 and p=.001), respectively. The study findings showed the efficacy of this program to improve the exclusive breastfeeding rate at 6 months. Therefore, nurses should apply this program to continuously promote breastfeeding to mothers from pregnancy throughout the postnatal period and after hospital discharge.