A Fresh Look, A Mother-Centric Approach To Reduce Early Breastfeeding Cessation-The Science/Practice

Abstract:
Science has spotlighted the time-sensitive window of opportunities in the first hour, the natural conclusion of the birth chapter. Are we enabling mothers to take full advantage of this time and prevent common breastfeeding problems with A, B, and C: A-attachment (latch and milk transfer), B-breastmilk production, and C-caloric intake? Or are we bending too far to the “wait and see”, hands-off, problem-oriented approach and inadvertently fostering preventable problems with demanding regimens, questionable interventions, and less remedial solutions?

A review of the research on hand expression and spoon-feeding used in the first 3 postpartum days. A case will be made to teach mothers manual techniques shortly before and/or after delivery, with a discussion of the pros and cons, the implications, and considerations.

Objectives: The learner will be able to:
Objective 1 – identify 3 key reasons mothers give for prematurely stopping breastfeeding in the first month
Objective 2 – give 2 evidence-based facts about the time sensitive nature of the first hour in regards to A, B and C (A-attachment, B-breastmilk production and C-caloric intake) and identify which factor, A, B, or C is the strongest determinant of exclusivity and duration of breastfeeding..
Objective 3 – suggest 2 reasons late preterm infants breastfeeding rates are not impacted by Baby-friendly practices (1st hr. skin-to-skin, rooming-in, no pacifiers), with a 1 month cessation rate of over 36% in primiparous mothers.
Objective 4 – give 1 potential benefit for teaching mothers hand expression shortly before rather than after delivery.

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