Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan HTI(1), Yeung LM(1)
Affiliation :
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Mary Hospital
Introduction :
Breast milk is the perfect nutrient for healthy growth and development for infants. Breastfeeding is beneficial to both mothers and infants. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of infancy and continues breastfeeding with adequate complementary solid to 2 years of age or beyond. The top-ranked reason for early weaning of breastfeeding is maternal perception of insufficient breast milk. According to QMH 2021 statistics, 1 in 4 mothers would choose to supplement infants with formula without medical indication. Majority of the mothers reported breastmilk insufficiency. Antenatal breastmilk expression as a potential intervention to address this concern. Previous pilot study had examined the feasibility and noted challenges in maternal compliance. Current intervention involved re-structured and simplified education for first-time low-risk pregnant mothers to examine breastfeeding self-efficacy and lactation outcomes upon hospital discharge.
Objectives :
To examine the effect of antenatal breastmilk expression on maternal breastfeeding confidence and lactation outcome.
Methodology :
Between September and October 2021, eligible low-risk pregnant women were recruited at 38 weeks’ gestation in out-patient setting. Antenatal breastmilk expression education was conducted. It involved technique demonstration, written information on the techniques, frequency and precaution. Each participant received a semi-structured diary to document frequency and remarks. Breastfeeding self-efficacy was measured using Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale–Short Form (BSES-SF) and lactation outcomes in terms of infant feeding mode were measured 2 days after delivery.
Result & Outcome :
Of 11 participants recruited, all participants followed the antenatal breastmilk expression regimen. High breastfeeding self-efficacy in early postpartum was measured with median score of 54 (out of full mark of 70). Higher exclusive breastfeeding rate with less unnecessary formula supplementation were observed - Majority of them [63 percent (n=7)] practiced exclusive breastfeeding upon discharge, 9% (n=1) practiced mixed feeding with medical indications for supplementation, 18% practiced mixed feeding without medical indication(n=2) and 9% (n=1) practiced artificial formula feeding at day 2 after delivery.
