Performing and Evaluation of Breast Feeding Education Program on Exclusive Breastfeeding and Growth Indices of Preterm Infant at 4 Months after Birth

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Breast feeding has been associated with multiple developmental advantages for the infant. The probability of successful breast-feeding in preterm infant mothers is less than healthy and term infant mothers. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of breast feeding education program on exclusive breastfeeding and growth indices of preterm infants at 4 months after birth.METHODS: This Quasi experimental study was performed on pregnant mothers who exposed to preterm labor and their preterm infants. Seventy four preterm infants were assigned to intervention and control groups. Both groups were followed up to 4 months after birth. Intervention group received prenatal education and post partum follow up but control group only used the routine education in hospital. Then two groups were compared.FINDINGS: Percentage of exclusive breast-feeding at 2 months after birth in control group was 45% (n=33) and in intervention group was 60% (n=44) (p=0.07). In infants weighing 1000-1499g at 2 months of age, weight index and head circumstance in intervention group was more than control group (p=0.003 and p=0.05). In infants weighing over 2500g at 4 months of age, weight index and head circumstance in intervention group was more than control group (p=0.01 and p=0.02). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, prenatal education and post partum follow up is effective on exclusive breastfeeding. Using breastfeeding in intervention group was more than control group