Early Indicators of Breast-Feeding Progress

The purpose of this study was to investigate an assessment plan through which significant problems with breast feeding could be identified in the first 2 weeks of infancy. Following routine in-hospital counseling by a nurse-practitioner, 21 primiparous mothers were phoned at 6 days postpartum and seen at an office visit at 14 days. Weaning before 8 weeks was associated with the mothers′ early expressions of low satisfaction with breast feeding and/or the number of problems perceived by the mother. Such problems were identified an average of 4 weeks before weaning began. The authors conclude that through early screening, potential breast-feeding problems can be identified early—while the mother is still working to establish lactation and while there may still be opportunity to provide her with additional counseling.