Table 2 Time-points and description of breastfeeding counselling among control and intervention groups
Time-point | Intervention group | Control group | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Issues to follow | Responsible | Standard care | Responsible | |
Last month of gestation | 1. Dialogue with the women to determine risk of possible breastfeeding problems: - Fears and expectations - Breast examination - Breastfeeding problems - Intention to breastfeed 2. Maternal empowerment - Knowledge of familiar and social environment - Motivation - Early contact (skin to skin contact) - Commitment 3. Agreed solutions - Individuality respect - Realistic and assertive solutions | Researcher | Information on the benefits of breastfeeding and breastfeeding positions through a one-hour group talk as part of the institution’s course on preparation for motherhood. | Nursing Department |
24 h postpartum | 1. Dialogue with the women to evaluate problems and difficulties identified at gestation: - Fears and expectations - Early breastfeeding - Skin to skin contact - Adequate latching and suckling - Human milk volume 2. Maternal empowerment - Breastfeeding crisis: fatigue, fears and worries. - Motivation 3. Agreed solutions - Respect for individuality - Realistic and assertive solutions. | Researcher | Institutional policy to allow rooming in, skin to skin contact. Risks of early weaning. Nutritional recommendations about breastfeeding importance at hospital discharge. | Institutional health care professionals |
1 month postpartum | 1. Dialogue with the women to follow up the agreed solutions and identify new difficulties with breastfeeding - Maternal perception of milk volume produced - Maternal perception of infant appetite 2. Maternal empowerment - Fears and expectations: low breast milk volume - Motivation and solutions follow up - Self-esteem 3. Agreed solutions - Individuality respect - Solutions follow up and measure of breastfeeding achievements | Researcher | Six visits during the first 12 months to follow up infant growth and development. It includes education in breastfeeding in group meetings. Breastfeeding counselling on demand or by referral. | Institutional health care professionals: Nurse Department |
3 months postpartum | 1. Dialogue with the women to follow up agreed solutions and identify new breastfeeding difficulties: - Back to work, study and other activities. - Early initiation of complementary food 2. Maternal empowerment - Fears and expectations - Motivation and follow up of solutions - Self-esteem 3. Agreed solutions - Individuality respect - Solutions follow up and measure of breastfeeding achievements | Researcher | Six visits during the first 12mo to follow up infant growth and development. Lack of adherence to the program. | Institutional health care professionals, Prevention and promotion programs at the institution. |