Publication:

A study to assess the effectiveness of initiation of breast feeding during third stage of labour among mothers on their physiological parameters at selected sub-divisional Hospital in West Bengal

Background There is paucity of Indian literature regarding effect of early breast feeding in subsequent course of labour. So, this study was undertaken to find out the effectiveness of early initiation of breast feeding during third stage of labour on the duration of labour, amount of blood loss during labour and nature of placental expulsion, along with the changes in vital signs during second and third stages of labour among mothers of both experimental and control groups.

Methods A quasi experimental post-test only control group study design was adopted. The conceptual framework for the study was based on general system model. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to select 20 intra-natal mothers and 10 mothers were randomly assigned to experimental group and another 10 mothers were randomly assigned to the control group. A structured interview schedule, observation checklist on progress of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd stages of labour, measurement of blood loss and measurement of vital signs were used to collect data after establishing validity and reliability of the tools.

Results The finding of the study revealed that there was significant difference in duration of 3rd stage of labour, t (18)=5.237 at 0.05 level and blood loss during 3rd and 4th stage of labour, a t (18)=3.95 at 0.05 level. There was true difference in pulse rate but not the respiration rate and blood pressure.

Conclusions Initiation of breast feeding during third stage of labour is effective in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.