Effects of a Breastfeeding Program for Premature Infants on Maternal Stress, Knowledge, and Breastfeeding Behaviors

미숙아 모유수유 프로그램이 미숙아 어머니의 스트레스, 모유수유 지식정도 및 실천에 미치는 효과

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a breast feeding program for mothers of premature infants. The program was applied and its effect was evaluated on stress, knowledge and breastfeeding behaviors of premature infant mothers. Method: This study employed a one group pre- and post-test quasi-experimental design. The data were collected from 17 participants from August 15 to October 24, 2004, at a N1CU at D University Medical Center located in Susan, Korea. Data were analyzed by means of frequency, SD, and t-test using SPSS version 10. Result: After the program, participants significantly showed a greater level of knowledge than before the program (t=-5.750, p=.000). No statistically significant differences in stress level scores were found (t=1.453, p=.153). The breastfeeding practice rate was 94.1%: Conclusion: This educational program using a handbook and video had a positive effect on increasing knowledge and practice of breastfeeding among premature infant mothers. It is suggested that this study be replicated with a larger sample size to compare group responses.