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

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.