The effects of in-hospital lactation education on breastfeeding practice.

The effectiveness of an in-hospital lactation education session on breastfeeding duration and satisfaction among postpartum women was investigated. In equal number, a total of 150 women were randomly assigned to a standardized curriculum (experimental group) or a routine-care control group. No differences were found between the groups regarding breastfeeding duration, mother's satisfaction level, or her perceived support. Item-scale analyses, however, were promising (alpha = 0.77) and a preliminary factor analysis suggested three underlying subscales: professional encouragement, satisfaction, and familial relationships. Based on a stepwise, multiple regression analysis three variables were related to length of breastfeeding experience, that is, level of satisfaction, educational level of the mother, and expected length of breastfeeding. Implications of these results toward lactation education programs and further scale development are discussed.