Early Postpartum Breast-Feeding Outcomes and Breast-Feeding Self-Efficacy in Turkish Mothers Undergoing Vaginal Birth or Cesarean Birth With Different Types of Anesthesia

Comparison of Post-Cesarean Pain Perception of General Versus Regional Anesthesia, a Single-Center Study

Background and Objectives: Pain during and after the procedure remains the leading concern among women undergoing cesarean section. Numerous studies have concluded that the type of anesthesia used during a cesarean section undoubtedly affects the intensity and experience of pain after the operation. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center "Dragisa Misovic-Dedinje", Belgrade, Serbia. Patients at term pregnancy (37-42 weeks of gestation) with an ASA I score who delivered under general (GEA) or regional anesthesia (RA) by cesarean section were included in the study. Following the procedure, we assessed pain using the Serbian McGill questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the pain attributes questionnaire at pre-established time intervals of 2, 12, and 24 h after the procedure. Additionally, time to patient's functional recovery was noted. We also recorded the time to the first independent mobilization, first oral intake, and lactation establishment. Results: GEA was performed for 284 deliveries while RA was performed for 249. GEA had significantly higher postoperative sensory and affective pain levels within intervals of 2, 12, and 24 h after cesarean section. GEA had significantly higher postoperative VAS pain levels. On pain attribute scale intensity, GEA had significantly higher postoperative pain levels within all intervals. Patients who received RA had a shorter time to first oral food intake, first independent mobilization, and faster lactation onset in contrast to GEA. Conclusions: The application of RA presented superior postoperative pain relief, resulting in earlier mobilization, shorter time to first oral food intake, and faster lactation onset in contrast to GEA.

Evaluation of breastfeeding success and self-efficacy in mothers giving birth via vaginal delivery or cesarean section: a cross-sectional study

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted to compare breastfeeding success and breastfeeding self-efficacy levels of mothers who gave birth via vaginal delivery (spontaneous or via epidural analgesia) or cesarean section (under general or spinal anesthesia). The study was conducted between September 2019 and February 2020 in the obstetric clinic. Data were collected using a Data Collection Form, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF), and the LATCH Breastfeeding Evaluation Tool. Throughout the study, we followed the STROBE Checklist. Mothers who gave birth via spontaneous vaginal delivery had a statistically higher mean Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy score (54.92 ± 7.72; p < .001) than those who gave birth under spinal anesthesia (43.21 ± 10.04; p < .001) and then those who gave birth via cesarean section under general anesthesia (37.39 ± 10.64; p < .001). The difference between the delivery modes in terms of breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding success scores was statistically significant (respectively, KW = 40.168, p < .001 and KW = 52.420, p < .001). In order to increase the breastfeeding success of mothers who give birth via cesarean section under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia, lactation nurses need to strengthen the perception of breastfeeding self-efficacy and provide more breastfeeding support to them compared to mothers who give birth via SVD.

Comparison of Cradle Hold Versus Football Hold Breastfeeding Positions after Cesarean Section in Primiparous Mothers

Objective: To compare cradle hold and football hold breastfeeding positions in terms of their effects on incision pain, breastfeeding success, and patient satisfaction among primiparous breastfeeding women after cesarean section. Materials and Methods: Sixty-seven breastfeeding primiparous women who underwent cesarean section were included in this crossover study. The women were instructed to use two different breastfeeding positions sequentially and change in pain intensity before and after each session were questioned. At the end of each session breastfeeding success (using LATCH breastfeeding charting system) and maternal satisfaction were assessed. In addition, mother's most preferred position was asked at the time of discharge. Results: A statistically significant increase was found in incisional pain score after breastfeeding with cradle hold position (p < 0.001), whereas no such change was observed in association with football hold position (p = 1.000). In contrast, total LATCH score was significantly better with cradle hold position when compared with football hold position (8.7 ± 1.1 versus 8.0 ± 1.1, respectively; p < 0.001). The two positions were similar in terms of maternal satisfaction scores (p = 0.082). Majority of the mothers (74.6%) preferred cradle hold position at the time of discharge. Conclusions: Although cradle hold position was associated with increased incision pain, it provided better breastfeeding experience and was more commonly preferred, which may be attributed to lesser familiarity with the latter position. Prenatal training should be provided to mothers on all breastfeeding positions. Further studies with larger sample size are warranted to better understand the relationships between incision pain after cesarean section, breastfeeding positions, and breastfeeding success.

Comparison of the breastfeeding outcomes and self-efficacy in the early postpartum period of women who had given birth by cesarean under general or spinal anesthesia

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to compare the breastfeeding outcomes and self-efficacy in the early postpartum period of women who had given birth by cesarean under general (GA) or spinal anesthesia (SA).

METHODS

This descriptive study was conducted with 190 women who had given birth under GA and SA at a training and research hospital. The data of the study were collected with the "Data Collection Form", "LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool" and the "Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale- Short Form (BSES-SF)".

RESULTS

The time to first breastfeeding of the newborns was 78.71 ± 126.9 min and 23.7% of the women breastfed within 30 min. Those who gave birth under SA breastfed their newborn infants statistically significantly earlier (p < .05). However, there was no statistical difference between women giving birth by cesarean under GA and SA and their score medians from the LATCH or the BSES-SF (p > .05).

CONCLUSION

The percentage of women breastfeeding their infants within the first half hour and the self-efficacy and success rate was higher among women who gave birth under SA than those who had cesarean under GA. However, breastfeeding behaviors were not at the desired level in either group. Health care professionals should therefore support women who undergo a cesarean and especially those who give birth under GA to increase their breastfeeding success and self-efficacy.

Predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy among women attending an urban postnatal clinic, Uganda

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with breastfeeding self-efficacy among postnatal women in Kampala, Uganda.

METHODS

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted among women attending a postnatal clinic at a teaching hospital in Kampala. Three hundred and eighty-four postnatal women were randomly selected to respond to an interviewer-administered questionnaire. We used the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy scale (BFSES) to assesses breastfeeding self-efficacy (BFSE). Descriptive statistics and percentages were used to summarize the findings. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine predictors of BFSE.

RESULTS

Participants had a mean BFSE score of 48.65. The 14 item BFSES consistently measured breastfeeding confidence with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.89. About six in 10 women (60.2%) had high BFSE, the rest (39.8%) had low BFSE. Having a partner (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 13, 95% CI 3.46-15) and receiving breastfeeding support from health workers (aOR: 4.45, 95% CI: 1.95-6.12) were significantly associated with BFSE.

CONCLUSION

A notable number of mothers had a low BFSE. Health workers should support breastfeeding mothers to achieve the desired exclusive breastfeeding levels.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The findings of the study provide a direction for midwives in maternity care in educating and supporting women about breastfeeding for the improvement of exclusive breastfeeding rates thus realization of benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding problems and interventions performed on problems: systematic review based on studies made in Turkey

To determine the breastfeeding problems encountered in the postpartum period and effect of interventions done in relation to the problems based on breastfeeding studies in Turkey. This study is a systematic review and was conducted by performing a scan of the Turkish and English literature over the period October 2016-February 2017. The study included 27 articles and seven theses, which were published in 2000-2015 in Turkey and published in 2008-2017. Data are presented tabulating and the aggregate percentages were calculated for some data showing common characteristics. A total of 6736 parents and 592 babies were included in these studies. As a result of the combined percentage calculation based on the data of cross-sectional and case-control studies, the most frequently reported problems were having breastfeeding problem (24.5%), mother's milk deficiency/worry about milk deficiency/thinking her baby is not satisfied/baby's inadequate weight gain (15.7%), lack of knowledge and experience about breastfeeding/need for education and support (17.8%). Again, these studies showed that women stated the problems about have flat/depressed/small nipple (7.7%), pain/sensitivity (3.9%), swelling/fullness/engorgement (10.8%), redness (28.8%), crack/wound/bleeding (26.1%) and mastitis (5.6%). Methods of prenatal education/counselling/motivation/follow-up, strong motivation, proactive lactation management and social support, moist warm application, using of breast milk and olive oil and using of breast shield and feeding with container and pacifier using have been reported to be effective in the experimental/quasi-experimental and case report studies included in this systematic review. This study showed that women experienced a lot problem with breastfeeding and that more prenatal education/counselling/monitoring was used in reducing problems.

Maternal attachment and breastfeeding behaviors according to type of delivery in the immediate postpartum period

INTRODUCTION

Breastfeeding is nutritious and has physiological benefits regarding the immunological aspect; also, it has an important role on maternal attachment and on raising a healthy baby.

OBJECTIVE

Our study was conducted to analyze maternal attachment and breastfeeding behaviors in the immediate postpartum period of mothers who had vaginal and cesarean birth.

METHOD

This descriptive and comparative study was conducted with women who sought the childbirth clinic of a university hospital in Izmir, Turkey. In the study, 175 mothers were attended; 83 of them had vaginal birth and 92 had cesarean birth. Data were collected by using Demographic Identification Form, Maternal Attachment Inventory and LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Score Tool. Descriptive and correlational statistics were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

We found that Maternal Attachment Inventory and the LATCH breastfeeding charting system of mothers that had vaginal birth was higher than that of mothers who had cesarean delivery. There was a positive correlation between Maternal Attachment Inventory and LATCH total score average for both cesarean and vaginal birth.

CONCLUSION

Mothers who delivered their babies by cesarean section had problems related to maternal attachment and breastfeeding more often than those who delivered vaginally.

ABM Clinical Protocol #28, Peripartum Analgesia and Anesthesia for the Breastfeeding Mother

A central goal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is the development of clinical protocols, free from commercial interest or influence, for managing common medical problems that may impact breastfeeding success. These protocols serve only as guidelines for the care of breastfeeding mothers and infants and do not delineate an exclusive course of treatment or serve as standards of medical care. Variations in treatment may be appropriate according to the needs of an individual patient.

Breastfeeding practices on postnatal wards in urban and rural areas of the Deyang region, Sichuan province of China

BACKGROUND

Despite the efforts that have been made to promote breastfeeding in China since the 1990s, there is still a very low prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding. The objective of this study was to assess the current situation of infant feeding practices during the postpartum hospital stay in urban and rural areas of the Deyang region.

METHODS

Cross-sectional sampling was used in two urban hospitals and five rural clinics in the Deyang region of southwestern China. Interviews with mothers after delivery (urban n = 102, rural n = 99) were conducted before discharge and five focus group discussions were held.

RESULTS

The prevalence of Caesarean section was high in both urban and rural areas (63.9 % urban vs. 68.4 % rural). After birth, nearly all mothers (98.0 % urban vs. 99.0 % rural) initiated breastfeeding. One week after delivery, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 8.0 % (9.8 % urban vs. 6.1 % rural), almost exclusive breastfeeding 34.5 % (29.4 % urban vs. 39.8 % rural), mixed feeding 56.0 % (58.8 % urban vs. 53.1 % rural), and exclusive formula feeding 1.5 % (2.0 % urban vs. 1.0 % rural). Breastfeeding initiation (≤ two days after birth) was positively associated (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.97, 95 % Confidence Interval [CI] 1.11, 3.50) with exclusive and almost exclusive breastfeeding, whereas birth length under 50 cm (OR 0.48, 95 % CI 0.26, 0.87), mother's education > 12 years (OR 0.46, 95 % CI 0.24, 0.88) and mother's lack of knowledge about the importance of colostrum (OR 0.35, 95 % CI 0.14, 0.86) were negatively associated with almost exclusive breastfeeding.

CONCLUSION

Although disparities between urban and rural areas exist, the situation of infant feeding is inadequate in both settings. The high prevalence of Caesarean section, the mothers' poor knowledge of the physiology of breast milk production, the mothers' lack of breastfeeding confidence, the widespread advertising of breast milk substitutes, and the changing perception of the function of breasts, may influence the unfavorable breastfeeding behavior observed in the study area.