Effect of Antenatal Counselling by Healthcare Professionals in Initiating Precise Early Breastfeeding Practices in Primigravida Mothers: A Quasi-experimental Study

Abstract

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding practices for six months and its continuity, including supplementary foods, is recommended to the child for a particular duration. In addition, antenatal counselling on early breastfeeding practices ensures optimum nutrition for the neonates, thereby reducing mortality. Aim: To evaluate the positive effects of antenatal counselling on breastfeeding outcomes in primigravida women. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted over 18 months on the mothers who attended the Obstetrics Department at Niloufer Hospital in Hyderabad, India. Participants were allocated either to a study group (n=100) (volunteered for antenatal counselling) or a control group (n=100) (did not volunteer for antenatal counselling). The study group received 1-3 breastfeeding counselling sessions during different months of gestation, whereas the control group merely received routine antenatal counselling. A breastfeeding performance checklist was finished, and the outcome of the counselling sessions was observed among the subjects. The procured data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22.0 for the t-test, odds ratio and Chi- square values, p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: This study monitored the breastfeeding practice of mothers in the first 48 hours and defined corrective timely breastfeeding practice for the following infantile period based on their reflexively formed habits under the impact of counselling improving awareness. Statistically, significant difference was observed in the counselled group concerning duration of breastfeeding, importance, and the benefits of breastfeeding to the mothers and families when compared to the control group (p<0.0001**). In addition, the questionnaire and the breastfeeding assessment scores were statistically significant in the counselled group compared to the control group (p<0.001** and p=0.002*, respectively). Conclusion: The statistically significant results of the study showed that antenatal counselling during pregnancy increases the frequency and duration of exclusive breastfeeding in mothers. Various aspects of counselling sessions on breastfeeding practices cleared the myths and misconceptions that mothers previously had in this study.