Lactation management clinic-positive reinforcement to hospital breastfeeding practices

Supportive breastfeeding policies in the hospital constitute the foundation for initiation of successful breastfeeding by mothers, constant reinforcement and support to all lactating mothers is however essential to maintain lactation. The objective, methodology and outcome of the Lactation Management Clinic which constitutes a hospital-based mother support group is described. The study was carried out over a period of 2 1/2 years and 519 mothers had attended this clinic. Analysis of the data revealed that at the time of the 1st visit to the clinic, 65.9% mothers had already started supplementary top feeds and the commonest reason encountered was mother's own assessment of inadequate milk seen in 73.6% mothers. Two-thirds (66.9%) of babies in our study were roomed in right from the first day of life, 75.3% of babies had received colostrum and 67.1% babies had not received any prelacteal feeds and yet faced problems at lactation. Mother and infant evaluation revealed no complications with 86.5% mothers and with 54.5% babies. Local breast problems were detected in 19.3% mothers. Faulty positioning was observed in 47.2% patients. Psychological support to mothers was the most important form of therapy given. Seventy eight per cent mothers practiced exclusive breastfeeding subsequently while 21.2% of mothers were partially successful in lactation. Only 3 mothers had lactation failure.