The Effects of Different Breastfeeding Training Techniques Given for Primiparous Mothers Before Discharge on the Incidence of Cracked Nipples.

OBJECTIVE: This research investigated the effects of different breastfeeding training techniques for primiparous mothers before discharge on the incidence of cracked nipples.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a controlled intervention study that was carried out between 2015 and 2016 on 90 mothers living in İzmir. The mothers were divided into three groups: the demonstration-based training group, brochure group, and routine care-receiving group. The mothers in the "brochure group" were provided with breastfeeding training brochures. Mothers in the demonstration-based training group received one-to-one training using designed doll and puppet tools.

RESULTS: The rate of cracked nipples at age 2 weeks was 63.3% in the routine care-receiving group, 56.7% in the brochure group, and 20% in the demonstration-based training group. At the end of the fourth week, the rate was 30% in the routine care-receiving group and less than 10% in the other two groups (p < 0.005). The LATCH scores were higher in the demonstration-based training group than in the other two groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in the percentage of exclusive breastfeeding.

CONCLUSION: The results documented that breastfeeding training based on one-to-one demonstration utilizing specially designed audiovisual tools was more effective than the other two methods in the prevention of nipple cracks.