Effectiveness of Breast Crawl Technique to Initiate Breast Feeding in Newborn and to Find out Its Impact on Newborn and Maternal Outcome during Early Postpartum Period – An Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Breast crawl technique is keeping the newborn directly on the mother’s abdomen (nose in the midline of the mother’s chest, eyes at the level of the nipples) soon after birth and allowed to crawl on their own up to the breast and then latch on. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of breast crawl technique to initiate breast feeding in newborn and to find out its impact on newborn and maternal outcome during early postpartum period Methods: The mothers admitted in labor room were selected by purposive sampling technique and random assignment to experimental and control groups was done. The breast crawl technique was introduced to the experimental group after normal labor outcome. Effectiveness of breast crawl technique was assessed by the modified LATCH breast feeding assessment tool and a structured proforma was used to observe time of initiation of breast feeding in newborn. The newborn outcome, temperature and heart rate were assessed at zero, 1 and 2 hours after birth. Blood glucose of newborn was monitored at 2 hours after birth. The maternal outcome, establishment of lactation and maternal infant attachment was assessed by an observation checklist administered 12 hours after delivery. The statistical analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The newborn with breast crawl technique had early initiation of breast feeding than the newborn in the control group. The results were statistically better in experimental group and breast crawl technique made a difference in early metabolic adaptation of newborn and promoted early establishment of lactation and maternal infant attachment. Conclusion: Breast crawl technique was effective to initiate breast feeding in newborn and had positive impact on newborn and maternal outcome in early postpartum period.