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- Title
Two Mid-pregnancy Interventions to Increase the Initiation and Duration of Breastfeeding: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
- Authors
Forster, Della; McLachlan, Helen; Lumley, Judith; Beanland, Christine; Waldenström, Ulla; Amir, Lisa
- Abstract
Background: Despite high levels of breastfeeding initiation in Australia, only 46 percent of women are still breastfeeding (exclusively or partially) 6 months later, with marked differences between social groups. This study aimed to determine the influence of mid-pregnancy breastfeeding education on the proportions of women breastfeeding at hospital discharge, and on the duration of breastfeeding. Methods: A randomized controlled trial to compare two strategies for increasing the initiation and duration of breastfeeding was conducted, in which 981 primiparas who attended a public, tertiary women's hospital in Melbourne, Australia, were randomized to one of two interventions or to standard care (327 in each group). The interventions were a 1.5-hour class on practical aspects of breastfeeding using a previously tested tool (Practical Skills), and two 1-hour classes exploring family and community attitudes toward, and experiences of, breastfeeding (Attitudes). Both interventions took place in interactive small groups when women were in mid-pregnancy. Breastfeeding initiation was ascertained by interview 2 to 4 days after birth, and breastfeeding duration was assessed by telephone interview 6 months after birth. Results: Neither intervention increased breastfeeding initiation or duration compared with standard care. Rates at initiation were 97 percent (296/306) for the Practical Skills intervention, 95 percent (291/308) for the Attitudes intervention, and 96 percent (297/310) for standard care. Rates at 6 months were, respectively, 55 percent (162/297), 50 percent (146/293), and 54 percent (162/299). Conclusions: In settings where breastfeeding initiation is already high, neither study intervention could be recommended as an effective strategy to increase breastfeeding initiation or duration.
- Subjects
AUSTRALIA; PREGNANCY; BREASTFEEDING; WOMEN'S hospitals; HOSPITAL admission &; discharge; CLINICAL trials
- Publication
Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care, 2004, Vol 31, Issue 3, p176
- ISSN
0730-7659
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.0730-7659.2004.00302.x