Effects of teaching using the hands-off technique on breastfeeding success before discharge among postpartum mothers at the obstetrics and gynecology ward, Nakhon Phanom Hospital

Abstract

Breast milk is crucial for an infant's immunity from birth and supports physical and mental health throughout life. The hands-off technique, which respects nursing ethics, encourages postpartum mothers to breastfeed and boosts their confidence in successful breastfeeding. This research utilized a prospective interrupted time design with the objectives to examine the impact of the hands-off technique on breastfeeding efficiency before discharge, and to compare mothers’ breastfeeding confidence between the hands-off and traditional hands-on techniques. The study included 42 postpartum mothers who delivered normally between February and April 2024. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and survival regression. Results indicated that most participants were aged 20-34 years, had a gestational age of over 37 weeks, and had infant birth weights above 3,000 grams. The hands-off technique reduced the time spent teaching until successful latch and the time to achieve a LATCH score of ≥8. Mothers in the hands-off group showed a significant increase in confidence scores before discharge and achieved these scores in less time (time ratio of 0.63) compared to the hands-on group.