Breastfeeding Practices: Positioning, Attachment, and Awareness of Colostrum Feeding among Postnatal Mothers: A Hospital-Based Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

One of the most effective ways to ensure a child’s health and survival is breastfeeding. Colostrum feeding, positioning, and attachment play an important role in breastfeeding whereas poor breastfeeding technique leads to premature discontinuation of breastfeeding, poor milk transfer, Breast engorgement and the absence of colostrum during feeding might lead to an increase in the risk of infection. The current study aimed to assess positioning and attachment during breastfeeding among postnatal mothers, create awareness of colostrum feeding, and identify the factors associated with improper positioning and poor attachment. A Hospital-based mixed-methods study was conducted in August 2022 and September 2022 for 2 months in a tertiary hospital in Karur District, Tamil Nadu. In the quantitative phase, 114 Postnatal mothers breastfeeding techniques were continuously observed based on the World Health Organization’s Baby-friendly hospital initiative, and Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) criteria were adopted and grades were given. In the qualitative phase, 40 staff nurses and 12 pediatricians were selected to state the action points to improve poor breastfeeding practices. The mean rank and Kendall’s Concordance coefficient were used to calculate the data. Around 20.5% and 21.4% of Postnatal mothers demonstrated improper positioning and poor attachment, respectively. Primipara mothers, less than 15-day-old infants, and failure to receive breastfeeding counseling were associated with poor breastfeeding practices. They deserve more attention, support, and direction for effective breastfeeding. Awareness of colostrum feeding should be created through poster displays, and its importance should be stressed by healthcare workers to postnatal mothers. The action points need to be prioritized and implemented to achieve a baby friendly hospital in the district.