Efficacy of Special Prenatal Breastfeeding Education Program on Exclusive Breastfeeding at Sanpasitthiprasong Hospital: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of special prenatal breastfeeding education program on increasing percentage of exclusive breastfeeding at 4, 8 and 12 weeks postpartum

Materials and methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in pregnant women aged 15-45 years with gestational age of 28 weeks or more who attended antenatal clinic at Sanpasitthiprasong Hospital from January 28^th, 2020 to September 9^th, 2020. The participants were randomized into two groups: 1) intervention group which received a 15 minutes session of special breastfeeding education program by a lactation consultant and received breastfeeding guides brochure and 2) control group which received routine group prenatal education program by nurses. Percentage of exclusive breastfeeding at 4, 8 and 12 weeks postpartum was compared between groups using Chi-square test.

Results: A total of 208 participants were recruited. Overall, there was no difference in percentage of exclusive breastfeeding between the two treatment groups at 4 and 8 weeks postpartum, while there was higher percentage of exclusive breastfeeding was observed in intervention group than control group at 12 weeks postpartum (58.8% vs 40.2%, p=0.02). The most common factors affecting decision to stop exclusive breastfeeding were insufficient milk production, return to work, and hot weather.

Conclusion: Special prenatal breastfeeding education program with a lactation consultant significantly improve rate of breastfeeding practice at 12 weeks postpartum.

Keywords: prenatal breastfeeding education, lactation consultant, exclusive breastfeeding