Evaluation of Two Midwife-Supported Breastfeeding Positions After Cesarean: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two different breastfeeding positions (routine cradle hold and modified football hold) with midwife support during the first breastfeeding session after cesarean section. The modified football hold is defined as an innovative position designed to increase maternal comfort and support effective breastfeeding by protecting the incision site.

Method:

The study is a randomized controlled, exploratory pilot study conducted at a public hospital in Türkiye between July 2021 and January 2022. The study included 90 postpartum women in total (45 in the experimental group and 45 in the control group). The groups were randomized using the block randomization method. The experimental group received a modified football hold with midwife support, while the control group received a routine cradle hold. The “Mother and Newborn Information Form” and the “Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT)” were used as data collection tools.

Findings:

The sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics of the experimental and control groups did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). In the experimental group, breastfeeding satisfaction was significantly higher (very satisfied: 68.9%; control: 22.5%) (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between the experimental group’s mean IBFAT scores of 9.48 ± 1.85 and the control group’s 5.95 ± 2.09. The effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.78) was determined to be large.

Conclusion:

During the first breastfeeding session following a cesarean section, the modified football hold was found to be an effective method for increasing maternal satisfaction and promoting breastfeeding success. The effectiveness of breastfeeding and mother–baby bonding is thought to be enhanced by midwives’ use of it in clinical settings. Nevertheless, further research using larger sample sizes and in various centers is required to validate the efficacy of this method.