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Abstract
Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of breastfeeding education/support offered at home on day 3 postpartum on breastfeeding duration and knowledge.
Methods. The study included a total of 60 women who gave birth at Zübeyde Hanım Maternity Hospital located in Aydın, Turkey. In addition to a standard breastfeeding education in the first few hours after delivery, which was provided to all women in this “baby-friendly initiative” (BFI) hospital, the mothers in the intervention group received breastfeeding education at home on day 3 postpartum from supporters.
Results. Both groups were comparable in terms of maternal and neonatal characteristics. The breastfeeding education/support offered during a home visit on day 3 postpartum was associated with a significant increase in the percentage of exclusively breastfed infants both at 2 weeks and 6 weeks, and at 6 months, and was also associated with a significant increase in exclusive breastfeeding and in total breastfeeding duration. In addition, increased breastfeeding knowledge scores were observed in the intervention group at 2 weeks and at 6 weeks after delivery, when compared with the respective scores in the control group.
Conclusion. Breastfeeding education offered at home on day 3 postpartum was effective in increasing the breastfeeding duration and breastfeeding knowledge.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Duygu Eryiğit, Nurcan Karakulak, Hatice Kapısız and Gül Sıdıka Güngördü for their help in organizing home visits and their support. The authors also thank the participants of the study.