The effect of early initiation of breast feeding on the amount of vaginal blood loss during the fourth stage of labor.

Post partum hemorrhage is a major problem that jeopardizes maternal health. Its prevention can save mothers' life postnatal, through early initiation of breast-feeding. So, the study aimed to explore the effect of early initiation of breast feeding on the amount of vaginal blood loss during the fourth stage of labor. A convenient sample of one hundred primiparae was selected from the delivery unit & post partum unit of El-Shatby Maternity University Hospital in Alexandria. The study subjects were divided equally into experimental group (early breast feeding group) and control group (late breast feeding group). Two tools were developed and used for data collection. A specially designed interview questionnaire was used during early first stage of labor to collect data about general characteristics of the study subjects. An observational checklist was used during the fourth stage of labor to collect data about uterine characteristics, number of feeds and the amount of blood loss. The early breast-feeding group started feeding immediately after placental delivery, while late breast feeding group started breast- feeding after the first two hours postnatally. The amounts of blood loss for both groups were calculated. The findings of the study revealed that early initiation & increased frequency of breast-feeding could decrease the amount of blood loss during the fourth stage of labor. Therefore, maternity and pediatric nurses have to encourage mothers to start breast-feeding early. They have to explain how breast-feeding is beneficial for both mother and child.