Interfering Factors of Breastfeeding in the Postpartum Care Centers / 대한주산의학회잡지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Recently, mothers stay in postpartum care centers (PPCCs) instead of their home for a few weeks after child birth in Korea. The policies of breastfeeding in those facilities can affect the success of breastfeeding. We studied the breastfeeding practice of mothers who stayed in PPCCs and the policies of these facilities. METHODS: We conducted a survey using questionnaires about breastfeeding practice on mothers who visited the Departments of Pediatrics of Cheil General Hospital, Yeungnam University Hospital, Dongsan Medical Center and Chonnam University Hospital, from February 2010 to July 2010. We also conducted another survey on the PPCCs. RESULTS: We collected 349 replies from mothers and 151 responses from PPCCs. 97.4% of mothers had been encouraged breastfeeding, but only 60.3% of mothers practiced rooming-in care, and only 15.2% of them performed it for 24 hours. Milk bottle was used in 92.6% to supply formula instead of cup or spoon. 54.8% of mothers used breast pump unnecessarily to collect breast milk to feed their babies using bottle. 77.3% of mothers withheld breastfeeding in case of cracked nipples, mild jaundice or loose stool. Only 18% of personnels in PPCCs was educated about breastfeeding. Educational materials were provided in only 67.1% of PPCCs. Regional difference was noted in rooming-in care, lecture, feeding device for supplementation and breastfeeding in case of mild jaundice, loose stool or cracked nipples. CONCLUSION: Insufficiently trained people in PPCC may make mothers difficult to breastfeed. It is necessary for the people in PPCCs to be educated for breastfeeding appropriately.