The Effects of Hands Off Technique on Breastfeeding Efficiency, Mother’s Confidence at Discharge, and Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates among Postpartum Women
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Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to compare breastfeeding efficiency, mother’s confidence before discharge and breastfeeding rates among postpartum mothers who were taught using hands off and non-hands off techniques.
Design: Quasi-experimental design.
Methods: The sample comprised of postpartum mothers aged 18 years and older with normal delivery, no complication, and intention of breastfeeding. The sample was divided into control and experimental groups with 57 mothers each. The experimental group had been educated in positioning breastfeeding using hands off technique while the control group received routine care using non-hands off technique. Data were collected using LATCH score, breastfeeding confidence questionnaire, and telephone call follow-up for breastfeeding rate. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA, chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test.
Main findings: Before being discharges, mothers in the experimental group had higher breastfeeding confidence score than that in the control group (F = 53.258, p < .001). However, breastfeeding efficiency before discharge using LATCH score and breastfeeding rates at 7 days, 1 month, 2 months, and 6 months were not different at level of significance .05.
Conclusion and recommendations: Educating mothers about positioning breastfeeding using hands off technique could induce mothers’ breastfeeding confidence. Nurses should demonstrate and have the mothers return the demonstrations of positioning breastfeeding at the initial phase post delivery. This could help mothers to become confident to breastfeed their babies at home.
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