Effectiveness of Breast Crawl Technique to Initiate Breast Feeding in Newborn and to Find out Its Impact on Newborn and Maternal Outcome during Early Postpartum Period – An Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Breast crawl technique is keeping the newborn directly on the mother’s abdomen (nose in
the midline of the mother’s chest, eyes at the level of the nipples) soon after birth and allowed to crawl
on their own up to the breast and then latch on. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness
of breast crawl technique to initiate breast feeding in newborn and to find out its impact on newborn and
maternal outcome during early postpartum period
Methods: The mothers admitted in labor room were selected by purposive sampling technique and random
assignment to experimental and control groups was done. The breast crawl technique was introduced to
the experimental group after normal labor outcome. Effectiveness of breast crawl technique was assessed
by the modified LATCH breast feeding assessment tool and a structured proforma was used to observe
time of initiation of breast feeding in newborn. The newborn outcome, temperature and heart rate were
assessed at zero, 1 and 2 hours after birth. Blood glucose of newborn was monitored at 2 hours after
birth. The maternal outcome, establishment of lactation and maternal infant attachment was assessed
by an observation checklist administered 12 hours after delivery. The statistical analysis was done using
descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The newborn with breast crawl technique had early initiation of breast feeding than the newborn
in the control group. The results were statistically better in experimental group and breast crawl technique
made a difference in early metabolic adaptation of newborn and promoted early establishment of lactation
and maternal infant attachment.
Conclusion: Breast crawl technique was effective to initiate breast feeding in newborn and had positive
impact on newborn and maternal outcome in early postpartum period.