The ‘Got Milk’ project. The timing of lactogenesis phase II: the impact of mother-infant proximity

Abstract

This study explores the effects of mother-infant close-contact while on the postnatal ward on the maternal perception of the onset of lactogenesis phase II (LII).The 'Got Milk?' project utilized a sub-sample of 49 mothers of newly delivered infants participating in a large randomised trial (The North-East Cot Trial) which had allocated the mother-infant dyads to receive either a stand-alone bassinette (current hospital practices) or a side-car crib (a three sided bassinette that attaches to the mother's bed) while on the postnatal ward. Data were collected using simple daily home diaries completed immediately following birth until five days postpartum. Mothers of infants assigned to located the side-car crib condition reported experiencing: the onset of LII earlier (p=0.003); more physiological sensations of LII on reported day of milk arrival (p=0.025); and were discharged earlier from hospital (p=0.042), in comparison to mothers whose infants were allocated the stand-alone bassinette condition. There was a clear trend for infants in the side-car crib group to breastfeed more frequently than infants in the stand-alone bassinette group. Multifarious mothers, regardless of cot allocation, reported experiencing: the onset of LII sooner (p=0.046); a greater frequency of breastfeeding (p=0.026); and a greater confidence in breastfeeding their infant (p=0.003), sooner than primiparous mothers. This study contributes to the growing understanding of the effects current Western postnatal infant care practices on the breastfeeding physiology in the immediate postpartum period. Side-car cribs allow mother-infant close-contact which facilitates an earlier onset of LII