References
Evaluation of postnatal education on breastfeeding technique of Jordanian mothers
Abstract
Background
In Jordan, most of postnatal breastfeeding education is focused on knowledge of breastfeeding rather than latch-on technique and skills of breastfeeding practice.
Aim
To measure the effectiveness of postnatal breastfeeding education among postpartum mothers in Jordan.
Methods
A quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group before-after design was used to measure the effectiveness of postnatal breastfeeding education among 216 Jordanian mothers. The intervention group received a postnatal breastfeeding education session, while the comparison group received daily postnatal care in hospital. Data were collected before and after the intervention.
Findings
This study showed an increase in the number of postpartum mothers in the intervention group who demonstrated skills of proper positioning after receiving educational material.
Conclusion
Postnatal breastfeeding education is effective in promoting breastfeeding practice and exclusive breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding has been shown to improve intellectual, neurological, psychomotor, and social development (Olang et al, 2009; Kronborg and Kok, 2011), and to provide all essential nutrients for the development of the infant brain and nervous system. It is also associated with decreased risk for many early life diseases (Olang et al, 2009).
The pattern of breastfeeding has been changing in recent years. The breastfeeding rate is declining and early cessation of breastfeeding is increasing (Kim et al, 2013), influenced by social, physiological, and psychological factors. The most commonly cited factors that lead to early cessation of breastfeeding are physiological (Banginwar et al, 2011), such as sore and cracked nipples, problems with attachment, and insufficient breast milk production (Abuidhail et al, 2014). The positioning and attachment of the newborn infant to the breast during breastfeeding have been the main causes of occurrence of nipple problems and insufficient milk supply (Banginwar et al, 2011). Insufficient milk supply causes lactation failure, which deprives the newborn infant of natural passive immunity, causes susceptiblity to hypoglycaemic seizures, and impairs sensory and cognitive developments (Tella et al, 2016).
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