Effectiveness of prenatal lactation counseling on breastfeeding practices, breast engorgement, and newborn feeding behavior among postnatal mothers at a teaching institution

CONTEXT: Breastfeeding is the best way of providing nutrients to young infants for their healthy growth and development. World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend that breastfeeding should be initiated as early as possible after delivery and exclusive breastfeeding should be continued till 6 months of age. The proper positioning of the baby and mother makes breastfeeding effective. AIM: The study aimed to determine the effect of lactation counseling on breastfeeding practices, breast engorgement, and newborn feeding behavior among postnatal mothers. METHODS: A quasi-experiment posttest-only control group research design was used and the setting of the study was antenatal OPD and postnatal ward at a teaching institution. A sample of 60 primigravidae in the age group of 18–35 years with gestational age ≥ 36 weeks seeking antenatal care at antenatal OPD were selected by consecutive sampling technique. The experimental group received two lactation counseling sessions of 30 min each 1 week apart (in person/video call), whereas control group received routine care. Breastfeeding practices, breast engorgement, and newborn feeding behavior were assessed on the 3(rd) postnatal day using breastfeeding practices checklist, breast engorgement scale, and newborn feeding behavior assessment tool, respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. RESULT: There was significant improvement in breastfeeding practices (t = 7.18, P = 0.00), breast engorgement (t = 2.41, P = 0.01), and newborn feeding behavior (t = 5.24, P = 0.00) in the experimental group, which proves that the prenatal lactation counseling was effective in improving breastfeeding practices, newborn feeding behavior, and reducing breast engorgement. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that prenatal lactation counseling was effective in improving breastfeeding practices, breast engorgement, and newborn breastfeeding behavior among primigravidae. These findings suggest that if proper lactation counseling is provided to the mothers even at the primary health centers and periphery level it can contribute to improving the breastfeeding practices, newborn feeding behavior and can prevent breast engorgement.