Comparison of Breastfeeding Outcomes Between Using the Laid-Back and Side-Lying Breastfeeding Positions in Mothers Delivering by Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The breastfeeding position routinely used following a cesarean section is the side-lying position. However, there have been few studies about the effect of breastfeeding positions, including laid-back position on breastfeeding outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the breastfeeding outcomes between using laid-back and side-lying breastfeeding positions in mothers delivering by cesarean section.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. The postpartum mothers delivering by cesarean section who delivered term newborns were randomly assigned to learn the use of a laid-back or side-lying breastfeeding position. The breastfeeding outcomes were assessed by LATCH scores at the second day postpartum and exclusive breastfeeding rates during the 6-week postpartum period. The mother's satisfaction of each breastfeeding position was collected before discharge from the hospital.

RESULTS: The data from 152 postpartum mothers delivering by cesarean section were available for analysis, 76 from the laid-back position group and 76 from side-lying position group. The baseline characteristics of both groups were similar. There were no statistically significant differences of the breastfeeding outcomes, LATCH scores at the second day postpartum and the exclusive breastfeeding rates during the 6-week postpartum period. But the mothers had expressed more satisfaction from the side-lying than the laid-back position.

CONCLUSIONS: Among the mothers who delivered by cesarean section, the use of the laid-back breastfeeding position had not shown different breastfeeding outcomes from the side-lying breastfeeding position. It might be an alternative breastfeeding position, which can be taught for mothers delivering by cesarean section along with the side-lying position.