The effect of multi-dimensional postpartum visits on increasing the breastfeeding rate of parturients with inverted nipple: A randomised study

Abstract

Background: Postpartum breastfeeding is an effective guarantee for the healthy growth of newborns. Vigorously promoting breastfeeding has substantial benefits for the physical and mental health of mothers and babies, and can also benefit the entire society. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of multi-dimensional postpartum visits (MDPV) applied to parturients with inverted nipple on improving breastfeeding rates. Methods: A total of 114 parturients with inverted nipples who gave birth in the Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University School of Medicine from October 2018 to October 2019 and successfully breastfed in the hospital were selected. The patients were divided into two groups according to the random number table method, with 57 cases in each group. The control group received routine postpartum visits, while the observation group received MDPV. Breastfeeding knowledge, rate of exclusive breastfeeding, incidence of maternal mastitis, rate of infant hospitalization, and level of self-efficacy were compared between the two groups. Results: Breastfeeding knowledge and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of maternal mastitis and the rate of infant hospitalization in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The self-efficacy scores of the observation group at 1 and 6 months after discharge were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The application of MDPV to parturients with inverted nipples can improve the breast-feeding rate, enhance breastfeeding knowledge, reduce the incidence of maternal mastitis and infant hospitalization rate, and improve breastfeeding self-efficacy. Thus, it is worthy of promotion.