Effectiveness of Relactation Supportive Program in Sustaining Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Prospective Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION

Relactation is the process of re-establishing breastfeeding after stopping or after a period of little breastfeeding. The study aimed to assess the Relactation Supportive Program (RSP)'s efficacy in sustaining breastfeeding and to determine the impact of RSP on breastfeeding initiation, timing, and correlation with the lactation gap.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was done with 60 infant-mother dyads, aged seven days to 14 weeks who stopped breastfeeding for 6-28 days or never breastfed. Mothers in the RSP group received hands-on guidance on techniques like supplemental feeding methods and nipple stimulation, alongside psychological and emotional support. In the Routine Counseling (RC) group, mothers received counseling about the benefits of breastfeeding, breast milk expression, correct attachment, and motivation for breastfeeding.

RESULTS

In the RSP group, 21 infants achieved and sustained exclusive breastfeeding by six months (p=0.003), compared to 10 in the RC group. RSP initiated lactation earlier (10.04±4.02 days, p=0.002) than the RC group (13.43±3.59 days). Relactation duration was inversely correlated with the lactation gap.

CONCLUSION

RSP significantly promoted earlier and sustained relactation compared to RC alone.