Comparing the effectiveness of a breastfeeding arm sling with the normal cross-cradle hold position: A quasi-experimental study in Thailand
Issued Date
2024-01-01
Resource Type
eISSN
25852906
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85202665980
Journal Title
European Journal of Midwifery
Volume
8
Issue
August
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
European Journal of Midwifery Vol.8 No.August (2024)
Suggested Citation
Disorntatiwat P., Liblub S., Steen M. Comparing the effectiveness of a breastfeeding arm sling with the normal cross-cradle hold position: A quasi-experimental study in Thailand. European Journal of Midwifery Vol.8 No.August (2024). doi:10.18332/ejm/191253 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/100945
Title
Comparing the effectiveness of a breastfeeding arm sling with the normal cross-cradle hold position: A quasi-experimental study in Thailand
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Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Thailand, the exclusive breastfeeding rate remains low at 14% in 2019, despite the World Health Organization’s recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Many mothers experience challenges such as lack of confidence, fatigue, and discomfort while breastfeeding. To address these issues, the novel arm sling innovation device was developed to provide support during breastfeeding. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of breastfeeding using the arm sling versus the normal cross-cradle hold among first-time mothers and to evaluate their satisfaction with the breastfeeding arm sling. METHODS A quasi-experimental crossover design was employed in the postpartum unit at Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand, in 2022. Forty-six first-time mothers breastfed using both a breastfeeding arm sling and the normal cross-cradle hold, with a washout period in between. Breastfeeding effectiveness was measured by mothers and nurse-midwives using questionnaires, and mothers’ satisfaction with the sling was assessed. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics and t-tests. RESULTS The breastfeeding arm sling innovation significantly improved breastfeeding effectiveness compared to the normal cross-cradle hold, reported by both mothers (t=4.32, p<0.001) and nurse-midwives (t=8.93, p<0.001). Most mothers expressed satisfaction with the arm sling, though some design aspects, such as ease of use, require improvement. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that the breastfeeding arm sling can potentially improve breastfeeding experiences for first-time mothers. Further research is needed on a larger scale and in more diverse settings to confirm these findings and to improve the sling’s design for user-friendliness.