Saravanan Gobinathan
Genesis Royal Infirmary, India
Abstract Title:
Breastfeeding Training and Its Outcomes in a Tertiary Hospital, India
Biography:
Dr. Saravanan Gobinathan is an expert in newborn evaluation and neonatal care. He is passionate about improving newborn health through innovative, evidence-based approaches and contextual models of clinical evaluation. His work focuses on enhancing breastfeeding practices using simple, practical techniques that can be implemented in both healthcare institutions and educational settings. Drawing on insights from animal models and experimental research, Dr. Gobinathan has developed responsive methodologies aimed at improving maternal and neonatal healthcare while addressing the needs of diverse stakeholders.
Research Interests:
Background: Effective breastfeeding techniques, including proper positioning, latching, and sucking, provide significant benefits for both the mother and the infant. These practices ensure optimal nutrition, enhance immunity and cognitive development, and strengthen the emotional bond between mother and child. This study evaluated the outcomes of a structured breastfeeding training program implemented among lactating women at Genesis Royal Infirmary, Coimbatore, India.
Methods: A hospital-based retrospective observational study was conducted among women who delivered between May 2018 and September 2022 at Genesis Royal Infirmary, Coimbatore. Breastfeeding was initiated within 30 minutes of normal vaginal delivery and within four hours following cesarean section, in accordance with recommended guidelines. Mothers were instructed on correct positioning and latching techniques and were encouraged to continue feeding until the infant naturally fell asleep. If the infant awoke after being placed in the cot or following burping, mothers were advised to resume breastfeeding to ensure adequate feeding and satiety. Rocking the infant immediately after feeding was discouraged, as it may falsely reassure mothers that feeding has been sufficient. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling method. Follow-up interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire to assess breastfeeding practices, including exclusive breastfeeding and continuation of breastfeeding. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 31.0.1.0. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with effective breastfeeding practices. Associations were evaluated using 95% confidence intervals, with statistical significance determined by confidence intervals excluding the null value.
Results: A total of 3,064 lactating women participated in the study, yielding a response rate of approximately 96.2%. Effective breastfeeding technique was observed in 78.6% of participants. Significant factors associated with successful breastfeeding included initiation of breastfeeding within four hours after birth (95% CI, p = 0.00812), exclusive breastfeeding for four months (p = 0.00772), and continuation of breastfeeding with complementary feeding beyond one year (p = 0.00936). Mothers who received structured breastfeeding education demonstrated significantly better breastfeeding practices than those who did not.
Conclusion: According to the WHO Global Nutrition Target 2025, at least 50% of infants should be exclusively breastfed during the first six months of life. Through a simple, structured breastfeeding education program emphasizing proper technique, our institution achieved an effective breastfeeding practice rate of 78.6%. Follow-up demonstrated statistically significant improvements in both the timely initiation and sustained continuation of breastfeeding. These findings highlight the importance of structured breastfeeding education in improving maternal practices and infant health outcomes.
