The Effect of Maternal Telephone Monitoring on the Duration of Breastfeeding in Preterm Infants during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 Student Research Committee, Master of Neonatal Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery School, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Nursing Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

3 Associate Professor of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Non-Communicable Pediatric Disease Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

5 Assistant Professor, Nursing Care Research Center, Health Research Institute, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

6 Assistant Professor of Nursing, Non-Communicable Pediatric Disease Research Center, Health Research Center, Nursing and Midwifery School, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

Abstract

Background: Premature infants usually don't have optimal breastfeeding. Given the insufficient awareness and lack of support of mothers can lead to the discontinuation of breastfeeding. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of telephone monitoring of mothers throughout the breastfeeding period in preterm infants.
Methods: In this quality improvement study,74 mothers with premature infants hospitalized at the NICU, one of the teaching hospitals of Babol University of Medical Sciences in 2020 and their infants were included using random blocking method and divided into intervention and control groups. Breastfeeding Continuation training program after discharge for the intervention group was implemented via smartphone and WhatsApp messenger program during weekly calls for 3 months addressing the problems and challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers. Control group received the usual training at the wards. Data were collected via questionnaire including demographic characteristics of parents and infants, feeding method used and records of infant weight (once a month for 3 months after discharge). Data were analyzed using the Chi-square, T-test, and analysis covariance.
Findings: Our findings showed that the rate of breastfeeding in intervention group increased from 27% at time of discharge to 86% at third month, while in control group breastfeeding decreased from 24% at time discharge to 19% at third month. This difference was significant. The mean weight of infant in first and second month in intervention group were 3294.59 ± 574.17, 4577.02 ± 680.23 and control group 3067.56 ± 378.08,
4283.78 ± 508.68, respectively, which was statistically significant. However, this rate was 5856.75 ± 720.83 and 5663.51 ± 645.13 in intervention and control groups in third month respectively. There was no overall significant difference.
Conclusion: Continuing breastfeeding training after discharge using smartphone messaging app can influence success in continuation of breastfeeding by mothers and infant weight gain.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 40, Issue 671
3rd Week, July
July and August 2022
Pages 318-324

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History

  • Receive Date: 19 July 2022
  • Accept Date: 19 July 2022

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