Relactation in lactation failure and low milk supply.

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the causes of lactation failure (LF), factors affecting relactation in mothers having low milk supply (LMS) and LF, and to know the success rate of relactation by proper counselling and positive support group. It was a prospective hospital-based study conducted in tertiary care referral hospital in mothers with their biological infants of less than 4 months of age, who were admitted with LF and some breastfeeding (BF) related problems. Mothers were advised for frequent BF in proper position and good attachment under supervision of trained BF experts with good support group. Lactogogue was used in few mothers. There were 64 mothers with LF and LMS, out of them 45 (70.3%) were between the age of 21-35 years. Maximum infants (n = 51, 79.69%) were below 6 weeks of age; and in 32 (78.04%) infants, artificial feeding was started within 15 days of postnatal life. Commonest cause of LF was mother's misconception of insufficient milk (n = 25, 39%). Relactation was possible in 100% mothers. Complete relactation was possible in 29 (85.29%) mothers when their age was <25 years and in 38 (86.36%) mothers when their infants age was <6 weeks. Chances of complete relactation were less, when duration of artificial feeding was more and infant was fed with bottle (62.96%). We found no difference with the use of lactogogue. Relactation was possible in 100% of mothers (may be partial) by continuous and positive support from family members and trained health workers.