J Korean Acad Nurs.  2010 Apr;40(2):277-286. 10.4040/jkan.2010.40.2.277.

Effects of Breast-feeding Education and Support Services on Breast-feeding Rates and Infant's Growth

• Jang GJ
• Kim SH

• KMID: 987605
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2010.40.2.277

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was done to investigate the effects of breast-feeding education and support services on rate of breast-feeding three and six months after birth, and the effect on infant's growth (weight, height, body mass index [BMI]). The experimental group which had both education and support services was compared with the control group which had only breast-feeding education.
METHODS
This study was a quasi-experimental study with a time-series design. The participants were 39 mothers who were hospitalized for childbirth. Twenty mother were assigned to the experimental group and 19 mothers, to the control group. The breast feeding education was done during hospitalization, and support services were provided once a week after discharge for a month (a total 4 times) by a maternity ward nurse. Data regarding breastfeeding rate at one month after childbirth was collected by phone call; the breast-feeding rates at three and six months after childbirth were collected in a visit to the families. The child's weight and height were also measured during the visit.
RESULTS
The experimental group had a statistically significant higher rate for frequency of breast-feeding at one, three and six months after childbirth than the control group. However, there was no meaningful difference between the two groups for infant growth.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study suggest that breast-feeding education is helpful for a start, but support services are also necessary to sustain breast-feeding.

Keyword

Breast feeding; Education; Social support; Body weight; Body mass index

MeSH Terms

Adult
Body Height
Body Mass Index
*Breast Feeding/epidemiology
Female
Health Promotion
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Mothers/*psychology
*Patient Education as Topic
*Social Support
Weight Gain

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