Breast feeding self-efficacy among postnatal mothers with two different breast feeding positions

Abstract

Introduction: Human milk is the only recommended and complete food for newborn. The benefits of breast feeding are incalculable. It is the unique food for the healthy growth and development of infants. Positioning of the baby is very important while feeding. Correct positioning is crucial for effective breast feeding. This Study was undertaken to compare the breastfeeding self-efficacy among postnatal mother with cradle and football position. Methodology: A quasi experimental post-test only design was adopted to study the breastfeeding self-efficacy among postnatal mothers with cradle and football position. 87 postnatal mothers were enrolled on the first postnatal day using convenience sampling. The subjects were assisted in feeding their newborns in cradle hold position during morning feeds and to adopt football position during nursing in the afternoon time. This pattern of feeding was continued for three days and breastfeeding self-efficacy was assessed on the third day for both positions using breastfeeding self-efficacy scale. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS Version 20. Result: The mean and median for breastfeeding self-efficacy for cradle position were 54.69 ±4.61and 56 respectively which were found higher than the mean (31.69±3.29) and median (31) for football position. The difference observed in the breastfeeding self-efficacy was found statistically significant (p<0.001) Conclusion: Cradle hold position was found to be effective in terms of breastfeeding self efficacy as compared to football position.