Assessing the impact of professional lactation support frequency, duration and delivery form on exclusive breastfeeding in Lebanese mothers

Abstract

Background The optimal frequency, duration, and form of professional lactation support needed to continue exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for six months have not yet been specifically identified. This study investigates the association between six-month EBF and the frequency, duration, and form (face-to-face vs. telephone contact) of professional lactation support in a cohort of Lebanese mothers, and explores barriers to EBF during the first six months postpartum. Methods An observational study was nested in a breastfeeding support randomized controlled trial. Secondary analysis of data from 159 trial participants who received professional lactation support was conducted. (1) Six-month EBF with professional lactation support frequency, duration, and form was investigated using bivariate and multivariate regression analyses. (2) Barriers to breastfeeding were explored using content analysis of narrative data collected about breastfeeding mothers by the lactation experts.

Social Support for Breastfeeding Practice During the COVID-19 Second Wave in Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Social support is important for successful breastfeeding practice ( Daou et al, 2020 ; Ke et al, 2018 ; Nuampa et al, 2019 ). House (1981) provided a comprehensive model of social support that is positively associated with psychological and physical health outcomes.…”

“…Despite the clear importance of social support to successful breastfeeding prior to the pandemic ( Daou et al, 2020 ; Ke et al, 2018 ; Nuampa et al, 2019 ; Theodorah & Mc’Deline, 2021 ), only a few researchers have addressed informal and formal social networks providing breastfeeding support during the COVID-19 outbreak, and those have been mostly qualitative ( Hull et al, 2020 ; Snyder & Worlton, 2021 ; Vazquez-Vazquez et al, 2021 ). Moreover, little is known about social support types in the Thai context during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and how they affected both optimal EBF and breastfeeding durations.…”

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of an Online Educational Program for Primiparous Women to Improve Breastfeeding

“…Therefore, providing timely support and education for new mothers can be useful and important during the 1st week postpartum, in which adequate milk supply and the mother–baby dyad’s learning how to breastfeed are of crucial importance (Feenstra et al, 2018). In addition, proactive telephone support by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) may also increase breastfeeding exclusivity (Daou et al, 2020). Primiparous mothers are more likely to encounter breastfeeding problems in the first 2 months postpartum that may result in early weaning (Muelbert & Giugliani, 2018).…”

Online breast-feeding support groups as a community asset in Lebanon after Beirut explosion

“…Despite the evidence on the important role of International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) on improving EBF duration, their number in Lebanon is very low. For a population of 6,769,146 there are only 17 IBCLCs (The official list is posted on Facebook breastfeeding support group) and they are not part of the national healthcare system (12) . All healthcare team members in Lebanon: nutritionists, nurses, midwives, pediatricians practicing lactation consultancy are internationally certified to provide recognized knowledge and support worldwide.…”

“…not part of the national healthcare system (12) . All healthcare team members in Lebanon: nutritionists, nurses, midwives, paediatricians practicing lactation consultancy are internationally certified to provide recognised knowledge and support worldwide.…”