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Breast-feeding problems in the first week postpartum.
M H Kearney1, L R Cronenwett, J A Barrett
1Department of Nursing, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Hanover, NH.
Nursing Research
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Early bottle use and lower satisfaction with the first breast-feeding experience can predict postpartum breast-feeding problems. Avoiding bottles in the hospital may reduce these issues, especially for mothers aiming for restricted bottle use.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal health
- Infant feeding practices
- Maternal and child health
Background:
- Breast-feeding duration is influenced by various pre- and perinatal factors.
- Understanding factors predicting early postpartum breast-feeding problems is crucial for maternal and infant well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if pre- and perinatal variables predict breast-feeding problems in the first week postpartum.
- To compare the impact of restricted versus planned daily bottle use on breast-feeding problems.
Main Methods:
- 128 families committed to at least 6 weeks of breast-feeding were recruited.
- Families were randomized into two groups: bottle avoidance (Weeks 2-6) or planned daily bottle use.
- Breast-feeding problems were assessed using a standardized score at 1 week postpartum.
Main Results:
- Bottle use in the hospital, lower satisfaction with the first breast-feeding, and group assignment weakly predicted the Breast-feeding Problem Score (R2 = .154, p = .0004).
- The negative impact of hospital bottle use was more pronounced in the bottle-restricted group compared to the planned-bottle group.
Conclusions:
- Early breast-feeding experiences, including hospital bottle use, significantly influence the occurrence of postpartum breast-feeding problems.
- Strategies to minimize early bottle exposure may be beneficial for mothers experiencing breast-feeding difficulties.