relationship between breastfeeding position ans level of postpartum fatigue

ABSTRACT

A quasi-experimental study was conducted at Postpartum Unit of King Fahd University Hospital in Al-Khobar, Kingdome of Saudi Arabia to investigate the relationship between breastfeeding position and level of postpartum fatigue. The study sample consisted of 100 postpartum women who accepted to participate in the study. Level of fatigue was initially assessed before breastfeeding the baby using the Iowa fatigue scale, then the study subjects were randomly divided into two groups, group [n =50] began breastfeeding their newborns for 10 minutes in high Fowler's position on the bed with back supported and a pillow under the arm to support the newborn and to reduce the tension on the muscle and a pillow under the newborn to raise him to sufficient height to reach the breast easily. After the 10 minutes, they were assisted to reposition themselves to side lying position with the arm raised on the head, comfortably supported, and the newborn lying supported on side so can grasp the breast easily, and the mother feeding the newborn for another 10 minutes. Group II [n =50] started breastfeeding their newborn in side lying position for 10 minutes and then shifted to high Fowler's position and breastfed for another 10 minutes. Each subject was instructed to mark the Iowa fatigue scale after breastfeeding in each position to determine the level of fatigue. Side lying position, for those during breastfeeding was the most comfortable position for the whole studied women aged less than 25 years old, were pregnant for less than three times, had less than three living children, received antenatal care, and who did not receive any information about breastfeeding. Increased emphasis on the advantages of the side lying position for breastfeeding can easily be included in routine postpartum nursing practice with minimal risk and cost