The impact of a lactation stimulation program on breast milk volume among first-time mothers with normal deliveries in the postpartum obstetrics ward at Buddhachinnaraj Hospital, Phitsanulok

Abstract

The quasi-experimental study, which involved two groups measured in a time series, aimed to compare the volume of breast milk before and after a lactation stimulation program among first-time mothers with normal deliveries. The sample included 60 first-time mothers with normal deliveries divided into 2 groups, 30 in each group. The control group received routine care, while the experimental group received both routine care and a lactation stimulation program that included 1) the four principles of sucking, 2) drinking at least 2,000 ml of water per day, and 3) breast massage and compression. The volume of breast milk was measured at the time of admission, and then at 8, 24, and 48 hours after delivery. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, one-way repeated measures ANOVA, dependent, and independent t-test.

The findings revealed that the mean volumes of breast milk in both the control and experimental groups were significantly different (p < 0.01) at the time of admission, and then at 8, 24, and 48 hours after delivery, with significant differences observed between at least one pair of these time points. However, no significant differences were found when directly comparing the mean volumes of breast milk between the control and experimental groups. Nonetheless, the results indicated that the increase in the mean volumes of breast milk in the experimental group at 48 hours after delivery was greater than in the control group.

Therefore, nurses can apply the lactation stimulation program to prepare pregnant women for breastfeeding and use the program to educate all mothers to promote exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months.