Abstract
Published evidence on the impact of the integration of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) for breastfeeding promotion is growing, but still relatively limited. Our study aims at evaluating the effects of adding an IBCLC for breastfeeding support in a mother and child hospital environment. We conducted a prospective study in the maternity ward of our maternal and child health Institute, recruiting 402 mothers of healthy term newborns soon after birth. The 18-month intervention of the IBCLC (Phase II) was preceded (Phase I) by data collection on breastfeeding rates and factors related to breastfeeding, both at hospital discharge and two weeks later. Data collection was replicated just before the end of the intervention (Phase III). In Phase III, a significantly higher percentage of mothers: (a) received help to breastfeed, and also received correct information on breastfeeding and community support, (b) started breastfeeding within two hours from delivery, (c) reported a good experience with the hospital staff. Moreover, the frequency of sore and/or cracked nipples was significantly lower in Phase III. However, no difference was found in exclusive breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge or at two weeks after birth.
Highlights
International health agencies and pediatric societies recommend exclusive breastfeeding (BF) for six months and continuation of partial BF for more than 12 or 24 months [1,2]
The inclusion of a lactation consultant (IBCLC) in the maternity ward of a mother and child hospital increased the quality of breastfeeding support, increased women’s satisfaction, and reduced the prevalence of sore/cracked nipples
With the support of the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), more babies benefited from skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth and were put at the breast in the first two hours after birth, the lactation consultant did not work to improve skin-to-skin, and the time she spent in the delivery room was occasional
Summary
International health agencies and pediatric societies recommend exclusive breastfeeding (BF) for six months and continuation of partial BF for more than 12 or 24 months [1,2]. Successful breastfeeding is related to multiple influencing factors which are personal, cultural, socio-demographical, and economical in nature [5]. Successful breastfeeding is significantly influenced by a good start at birth, which depends on hospital organization, quality of care for newborn infants, and support received by new mothers [7]. International data on breastfeeding rates at birth are not yet satisfactory for many industrialized countries, such as Italy [8], France [9], and Ireland [10], calling for a series of multiple and integrated interventions to promote breastfeeding [11], among which we should mention those provided by the lactation consultant [12]. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) have heterogeneous backgrounds, and operate in different kinds of health facilities (hospitals, clinics) and private homes where support and management of breastfeeding are requested
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