Effect of Lactating Education Given During Pregnancy on Practices Regarding Breastfeeding and Lactation

Abstract

Aim: Prevelance of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months is 41.6% while nearly all of the children are breastfed for several months after birth in Turkey. Studies proved the effect of mother education on improving breastfeeding and increasing the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and lactating. This study was conducted to determine the effect of lactating education given to pregnant women on practices regarding breastfeeding and lactation. Subjects and methods: All pregnant women in the last trimester living in regions of Health Care Centers of Melikgazi Health Group Directorate-Kayseri were planned to be included in the study and the subjects were divided into two groups (intervention, control),(in 2008). Study was completed with 304 women; 155 (intervention), 149 (control). Baseline knowledge levels were determined, intervention group were educated. Efficiency of education was evaluated by questioning lactating practices. Data were collected by face-to-face interview with questionnaire, analyzed with chi-square, Student’s t tests (SPSS 13.0). Results: Socio-demographic characteristics of two groups were similar. Percentage of pregnant women in control group (94.6%) who answered as “6 months” to “how long should babies be exclusively breastfed?” was higher than intervention group (82.6%) (p<0.05). After education, percentage of women who exclusively breastfed for 6 months among women having 6 months age baby was 33.3% in intervention group and 37.5% in controls (p>0.05). Night-time lactating frequency of intervention and control groups were 78.1% and 67.1%, respectively (p<0.05). Percentage of babies exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months and other lactating practices was similar in two groups after education. Efficiency of education was inadequate, it was only efficient on night-time lactating. Conclusion: Consequently, it was concluded that it is essential to review the education tools and methods, to provide efficiency and continuity.