Effect of the Standard Breast Crawl Technique on Initiation of Breastfeeding and Maternal Outcomes

Abstract

Background: The standard technique of the breast crawl proves to be the most efficient method for facilitating the enhancement of immediate and long-term success in breastfeeding, while also promoting a multitude of protective benefits for both the mother and the baby. Aim: was to examine the effect of the standard breast crawl technique on initiation of breastfeeding and maternal outcomes. Research design & setting: A quasi-experimental design was adopted at Fayoum General Hospital, El-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt. Subjects: A purposive sample of 110 parturient women was recruited based on the specified criteria. Tools: Four tools were used, a structured interview questionnaire, clinical observational sheet, measurement of PPH by measured amount of blood loss, and modified LATCH breastfeeding assessment tool. Results: A significant decline in the mean duration of the third stage of labor (14.2 ±5.9 min) and time taken to initiate breastfeeding (12.7 ±6.2 min) for the study group, compared to (20.0 ±6.4 min & 62.2 ±20.1min) correspondingly for the control group. Moreover, the majority of the study group had mild amounts of blood loss and good initiation of breastfeeding. Conclusion: The findings concluded that standard breast crawl significantly shortened the duration of the third stage of labor with spontaneous separation of the placenta, maintained firmness of uterine consistency as well as mild amount of blood loss during the early post-partum period, and enhanced good initiation of breastfeeding. Recommendations: It is suggested that the standard breast crawl procedure should be included in the written policies of all baby-friendly hospitals and be strictly followed to the best of their ability.