Effect of Follow-Up Intervals on Breastfeeding Rates 5-6 Months Postpartum: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Postpartum care significantly influences maternal and infant health outcomes.
• Breastfeeding continuation is a key public health objective, with established benefits for both mother and child.
• Optimal timing for postpartum follow-up to support breastfeeding is not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the impact of early versus traditional postpartum follow-up schedules on breastfeeding continuation rates at six months postpartum.
• To evaluate whether earlier postpartum contact influences sustained breastfeeding.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving primiparous women intending to breastfeed.
• Participants were assigned to either a 2-3 week or 6-8 week postpartum follow-up appointment.
• Breastfeeding rates were assessed via phone contact at 5-6 months postpartum.

Main Results:

• Breastfeeding rates at 5-6 months postpartum were 57.7% in the early follow-up group and 59.3% in the traditional follow-up group.
• No statistically significant difference in breastfeeding continuation was observed between the early and traditional follow-up groups (p=0.80).
• Adjusted analysis also did not show a significant association between early follow-up and increased breastfeeding rates (p=0.31).

Conclusions:

• Early postpartum follow-up (2-3 weeks) does not appear to enhance breastfeeding continuation rates at six months compared to traditional follow-up (6-8 weeks).
• The breastfeeding rates in both groups met or exceeded the Healthy People 2020 target.
• Current postpartum follow-up timing strategies may not be a critical factor for sustained breastfeeding at six months.