The Influence of Breastfeeding Educational Interventions on Breast Engorgement and Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background Breast engorgement and breast pain are the most common reasons for the early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding by mothers. Research Aims (1) To examine the influence of breastfeeding educational interventions on breast engorgement, breast pain, and exclusive breastfeeding; and (2) to identify effective components for implementing breastfeeding programs. Methods Randomized controlled trials of breastfeeding educational interventions were searched using five English and five Chinese databases. Eligible studies were independently evaluated for methodological quality, and data were extracted by two investigators. In total, 22 trials were identified, and 3,681 participants were included. A random-effects model was used to pool the results, and a subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were conducted. Results Breastfeeding education had a significant influence on reducing breast engorgement at postpartum 3 days (odds ratio [OR]: 0.27, 95% CI [0.15, 0.48] p < .001), 4 days (OR: 0.16, 95% CI [0.11, 0.22], p < .001), and 5–7 days (OR: 0.24, 95% CI [0.08, 0.74], p = .013) and breast pain (standardized mean difference: −1.33, 95% CI [−2.26, −0.40]) at postpartum 4–14 days. Participants who received interventions had higher odds of exclusive breastfeeding. Breastfeeding educational interventions provided through lecture combined with skills practical effectively reduced breast engorgement (OR: 0.21; 95% CI [0.15, 0.28]; p = .001) and improved exclusive breastfeeding at postpartum 1–6 weeks (OR: 2.16; 95% CI [1.65, 2.83]; p = .001). Conclusions Breastfeeding educational interventions have been effective in reducing breast engorgement, breast pain, and improved exclusive breastfeeding. A combination of knowledge and skill-based education has been beneficial for sustaining exclusive breastfeeding by mothers.

Effect of Breastfeeding Education Program and Nurse-led Breastfeeding Online Counseling System (BMUM) for Mothers: A Randomized Controlled Study

“…We hypothesize that providing online follow-up support to the participants in the intervention group facilitated their adaptation to their new lives and enabled them to cope with the process more easily. Health professionals should develop appropriate interventions for breast problems during breastfeeding to help mothers and their families to continue healthy breastfeeding practices (Huda et al, 2022). Babakazo et al (2022) found that the most common breastfeeding problems experienced were nipple cracking or soreness, insufficient milk production, and breast engorgement.…”

“…Babakazo et al (2022) found that the most common breastfeeding problems experienced were nipple cracking or soreness, insufficient milk production, and breast engorgement. Researchers have found that effective breastfeeding education positively affects breast pain and breast fullness (Huda et al, 2022; . F is mixed model ANOVA for intervention and control group, 1-2-3-4 and 5 in pairwise comparisons refer to measurement times, respectively.…”

“…Health professionals should develop appropriate interventions for breast problems during breastfeeding to help mothers and their families to continue healthy breastfeeding practices (Huda et al, 2022). Babakazo et al (2022) found that the most common breastfeeding problems experienced were nipple cracking or soreness, insufficient milk production, and breast engorgement.…”

“…Babakazo et al (2022) found that the most common breastfeeding problems experienced were nipple cracking or soreness, insufficient milk production, and breast engorgement. Researchers have found that effective breastfeeding education positively affects breast pain and breast fullness (Huda et al, 2022; Lucas et al, 2019). Giving women the right information and skills, like how to correctly position and grip the breast, can help them breastfeed their babies properly and enhance their self-confidence, helping them avoid breast engorgement (Tseng et al, 2020).…”

Determinantes económicos, sociales y de salud que inciden en la lactancia materna exclusiva en Colombia

“…En lo relacionado con la participación de las madres en procesos de formación sobre la lactancia materna como un factor que previene el abandono de la LME, se identificó que los apoyos educativos, principalmente los que combinan conocimientos con la adquisición de habilidades prácticas, resultan beneficiosos, brindando mayor confianza y seguridad a las mujeres durante el amamantamiento 35,36,37 .…”