Abstract:

Introduction: Breastfeeding is a crucial issue for women, empowering them and preventing complications such as nipple sores and crack nipples. This study aims to assess the impact of lactational counseling on breast engorgement and newborn feeding behavior among primipara mothers at RMMCH, Chidambaram. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive research design was employed. The study was conducted in the postnatal wards of RMMCH, a Baby-Friendly Hospital. The sample consisted of 50 primipara mothers in Phase-I and 30 LSCS mothers in Phase-II, selected through purposive and convenience sampling, respectively. Inclusion criteria included primipara mothers aged ≥18 years with an alive baby who knew Tamil. Exclusion criteria included mothers with delivery complications, medical disorders, or babies with congenital anomalies. Result and Findings: The study found that In Phase I, 62% of mothers had breast engorgement, with 26% having mild engorgement in one breast. In Phase II, 54% had engorgement on day 3, with 31% experiencing mild engorgement in one breast, and no mothers had engorgement by day 5. Newborn feeding behavior improved from 10% poor feeding to 100% high feeding behavior by day 5, showing the effectiveness of lactational counseling. Conclusion: T The study highlights that there is a significantly improved breast engorgement and newborn feeding behavior among primipara LSCS mothers, confirming its effectiveness by the 5th postpartum day.

Keywords: Breastfeeding, lactation, counselling, breast engorgement, feeding, newborn.