Breastfeeding Education in a Newly Organized Lactation Consultation Clinic: An Evaluation of Its Effects on the Improvement of Maternal Attitudes to Breastfeeding

OBJECTIVE: Breastfeeding is the principal feeding source in the first years of life. Its targeted rates are not achieved properly, globally. Multifactorial reasons have been reported, but the effect of the facilities in the hospitals including lactation consultation clinics have rarely been discussed. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of breastfeeding education in a first officially organized clinic. This may further help authorities make any necessary interferences and improve public health strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, interventional study was performed in 100 mothers who were given breastfeeding education and was compared with 100 mothers without education. All of the mothers were interviewed to assess breastfeeding attitudes after 6 months. RESULTS: The study group demonstrated higher exclusive breastfeeding rates than controls (76% and 28%, respectively). Having an education was the most significant factor affecting exclusive breastfeeding duration (P < .05). Complementary feeding, bottles, and pacifiers were introduced significantly earlier in the control group (P < .05) There was a negative association between breastfeeding duration and both bottle and pacifier use (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Lactation consultation at a breastfeeding clinic improved the breastfeeding rate. Extending this project to maternity and children's hospitals will help to achieve the desired national targets in exclusive breastfeeding.