Effect of lactation counselling on breast feeding: randomized control trial

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding for a newborn is a standard of care. Breast feeding rates are documented low in our country. Objective of present study was to find out the effect of lactation counselling on breast feeding rates.Methods: It was an open lable randomized control trial and conducted at Department of Pediatrics and Obstetrics of a tertiary care hospital of Northern India. Eligible subjects were 3rd trimester mothers admitted for delivery. Student t test and chi square test were used.Results: Breast feeding counseling (intervention) group resulted in early imitation, higher breast-feeding rates at discharge and follow up.Conclusions: Breast feeding counselling improves initiation, breast feeding rates at discharge and beyond. This study also emphasizes that lactation counselling is useful. Every opportunity of counselling should be availed by health care workers to promote breast feeding.