Can early postpartum home visits by trained community health workers improve breastfeeding of newborns?

I. Mannan, S. M. Rahman, A. Sania, H. R. Seraji, S. E. Arifeen, P. J. Winch, G. L. Darmstadt, A. Baqui

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

45 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Whether postpartum visits by trained community health workers (CHWs), reduce newborn breastfeeding problems. Method: Community healthworkers made antenatal and postpartum home visits promoting newborn care practices including breastfeeding. CHWs assessed neonates for adequacy of breastfeeding and provided hands-on support to mothers to establish breastfeeding. History and observation data of 3495 neonates were analyzed to assess effects of CHW visitation on feeding problems. Result: Inappropriate breastfeeding position and attachment were the predominant problems (12 to 15%). Only 6% of newborns who received home visit by CHWs within 3 days had feeding difficulties, compared to 34% of those who did not (odds ratio: 7.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.03 to 9.71, P=0.00). Latter group was 11.4 times (95% CI: 6.7 to 19.3, P=0.00) more likely to have feeding problems as late as days 6 to 7, than the former. Conclusion: Counseling and hands-on support on breastfeeding techniques by trained workers within first 3 days of birth, should be part of community-based postpartum interventions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)632-640
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Perinatology
Volume28
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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