Completed Researches

Effective method for continuous breastmilk flow in the 1st 3 days of childbirth compared to control group. Year:2022-2023

Background

Exclusive breastfeeding is the optimal infant feeding practice, promoting psychomotor and cognitive development while reducing morbidity and mortality(1). Early initiation breastfeeding provides critical immune and developmental benefits, yet global rates remain suboptimal, with only 41% of infants exclusively breastfed(2). Oketani massage, a cost-effective technique, has shown promise in enhancing milk flow by improving connective tissue relaxation and increasing prolactin stimulation(3).

Objectives

To determine the effective method for enhancement of early breastmilk flow after childbirth compared to the control group.

Methodology

This study employed a factorial design with two intervention groups and a control group. We conducted the study in 12 health facilities, including eight hospitals in Dhaka city and four upazila health complexes in rural areas of Mymensingh and Khulna divisions. A total of 630 pregnant women aged 20–40 years, admitted for delivery and meeting inclusion criteria, were randomly assigned to one of the three groups.

Result

The breastfeeding frequency within 24 hours after birth was highest in the Oketani group (10.6 ± 2.28) compared to the counseling group (9.81±2.1) and control group (8.9±2.85), while the total number of sucking in the first three days was 43.16 ±4.78, 41.8±4.45, and 29.11±4.8 respectively. The time (days) required to establish continuous milk flow was significantly earlier in the Oketani group (1.99±0.51) compared to the counseling (2.98±0.86) and control group (4.27±1.49) (p-value<0.001).