The use of an electronic version of nutrition recommendations and a specialized product for lactating women in a set of measures to support lactation

Abstract

Breastfeeding (BrF) provides significant health benefits for both the baby and the mother. At the same time, it is known that suboptimal nutrition of a woman during lactation can affect the health of children both in the short and long term, as well as shorten the duration of breastfeeding. In this regard, a set of measures to support breastfeeding should include raising women’s awareness of nutrition issues during lactation, and for the formation of a full-fledged balanced diet. It is advisable to use specialized products for nursing mothers, which is especially important in hypogalactia or suspected hypogalactia.
 Materials and methods. The analysis included the results of a survey of women and medical records of children of one hundred eighty one mother-child couple. The questionnaires were completed by women who used the electronic version of the dietary re­commendations during breastfeeding. Depending on the rate of weekly weight gain in infants, lactating women were divided into 
 2 groups: women with sufficient lactation (n = 114); women with hypogalactia or suspected hypogalactia (n = 67). In addition to the recommendations of a set of measures to stimulate lactation, given to women, the use of a specialized product for lactating women of domestic production was recommended to correct the diets of women with suspected hypogalactia or its presence. To assess the quality of life of women, a short version of the WHO quality of life questionnaire — WHOQOL-BREF was used.
 Results. 96.1% of female respondents rated the recommendations as useful and effective. After 30 days from the start of comply the recommendations, the number of women who highly assess their level of knowledge on nutrition during lactation increased from 38.7% to 63%. In 82.9% of cases, women were able to successfully adjust the diet, and in 81.2% of cases — to expand it. Upon repeated questioning after 30 days breastfeeding was revealed to preserve in 96.7% of cases in general among both surveyed groups. In both groups, the duration of crying and the volume of regurgitation in infants significantly decreased, which may be due to the correction of the mothers’ diet.
 Conclusion. An integrated approach to lactation support with the provision of an electronic version of information materials on the nutrition of nursing women, as well as the inclusion of a specialized product for lactating mothers in the diet of nursing women, made it possible to preserve breastfeeding and improve the quality of life in terms of “Physical and psychological well-being”, including women with hypogalactia.