Authors: Esraa Al holi , Mohammad Faris Hasan , Aubrey Espiritu , Mona Abdulfattah Edesokey

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is important for both the baby and the mothers as it enhances the health of both. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended till six months of age, but there is a decline in breastfeeding rates globally, including in Saudi Arabia. Breastfeeding clinics are clinics that offer quality care to mothers with breastfeeding difficulties. However, little is known about its impact on the rates of exclusive breastfeeding.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of attending the hospital’s breastfeeding clinic on exclusive breastfeeding rates at 6 weeks postpartum.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study that was conducted at Care Medical Malaz Antenatal clinics, Postpartum wards, and Breastfeeding Clinic. The study was conducted on mothers and categorized them into two groups: the first involved those who attended the breastfeeding clinic, and the other group included controls who didn't attend the clinic. A questionnaire was used to investigate the demographics, satisfaction, and data related to breastfeeding among the subjects.

Results: A total of 100 mothers were included and equally categorized into two groups. There were significant differences between mothers in both groups, which included a significantly higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding at six weeks and a higher satisfaction score compared to those who didn't attend the clinic (P˂0.001). Also, breastfeeding was considerably varied regarding skin-to-skin contact (P˂0.001), breastfeeding at the first hour following birth (P=0.04), and satisfaction score (P˂0.001).

Conclusion: Women who attended the breastfeeding clinic reported greater rates of exclusive breastfeeding, which indicates the positive impact of the breastfeeding clinic in improving the rates of breastfeeding.

Keywords: Breastfeeding clinic, impact, practice, breastfeeding postpartum.