Effect of Hand Expression and Lactation Support on Self-Efficacy of Primiparous Mothers and Quality of Breast-feeding

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Asst. prof of Maternity, Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University.

2 Asst. prof of Maternity, Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University, Egypt.

3 Lecturer of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University, Egypt.

4 Assistant Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University, Egypt.

5 Lecturer of Maternity, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing - Port said University, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Any woman who wants to breastfeed her child may benefit from Hand
Expression and breastmilk storage, until recently, hand expressions with breastfeeding assistance
were only indicated for women, who were at high risk for breastfeeding issues. Aim: to evaluate the
effect of hand expression and lactation support on self-efficacy of primiparous mothers and quality
of breastfeeding. Design: A quasi-experimental one-group (pre-posttest) research design was
utilized. Setting: The study was conducted at the General Health Insurance-affiliated to specialist
Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology in Port Said governorate. Sample: A total of 100 women
who underwent immediate vaginal or cesarean deliveries at the specialized obstetrics and
gynecology facility during the study period were included in the study population. Tools: Three
tools were used for data collection namely, A structured interviewing questionnaire, Breastfeeding
Self-Efficacy Scale- Short Form, and LATCH (latching, audible swallowing sounds, nipple type,
comfort, and holding) score instrument. Results: Before and during the testing period, the study
sample's overall self-efficacy lactation scale significantly increased. Conclusion. The intervention
had successfully achieved its goal of improving overall self-efficacy and overall lactation scales
among the examined sample. Recommendations: To enhance or sustain self-efficacy and
subsequently enhance breastfeeding, healthcare providers and lactation consultants should offer
lactation support to the new mothers.

Keywords