Care Based on the Lactation Management Model Provided to Mothers With Babies in the Intensive Care Unit

Support of prolactin and oxytocin hormones is needed for adequate production and secretion of breast milk. Many factors affect the levels of oxytocin and prolactin in the blood, such as the health status of the mother and the baby after birth, their separation for a while, nutrition, light, stress, fear, and lack of social support. Using breast stimulating techniques (skin-to-skin contact, relaxation exercises, breast massage, nipple stimulation, hot application, etc.) stimulates the secretion of milk and increases its amount. This study aimed to determine the effect of care based on the lactation management model offered to mothers whose babies are in the neonatal intensive care unit, on the amount of breast milk and duration of breastfeeding.

Inclusion criteria

• Between the ages of 18-35,
• The baby is still in intensive care,
• Gave birth at 34 weeks of gestation and above,
• The baby was taken to intensive care within the first 3 days after birth,
• The baby will stay in the neonatal intensive care unit for at least 3 more days,
• The baby has started breastfeeding,
• Giving breast milk to the baby by expressing it,
• Not using any medication that will affect milk quantity,
• Does not have a psychiatric disease that will affect breastfeeding in the postpartum period,
• Availability by phone, language, etc. Mothers who do not have communication problems.

Exclusion criteria

• Not between the ages of 18-35,
• The baby is discharged from intensive care,
• Those whose gestational age is less than 34 weeks,
• The baby is taken to intensive care after the first 3 days after birth,
• The baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit for at least 3 days,
• The baby has not started breastfeeding,
• Breastfeeding,
• Those who use medication that will affect the amount of milk,
• Having a psychiatric disease that will affect breastfeeding in the postpartum period,
• Mothers with communication problems.