Development of a Breastfeeding Promotion Model for Mothers Separated from Their Babies Using the Mother-Baby Bonding Clock.

Abstract

This research and development study aims to create a model for promoting breastfeeding among mothers separated from their newborns, conducted at Khon Kaen Hospital from April 2022 to December 2023. The study included 142 postpartum mothers, with 71 in the control group and 71 in the experimental group, selected through purposive sampling. Data collection methods included interviews, observations, and questionnaires, with the key tool being the "Mother-Baby Bonding Clock." Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Independent t-test to compare the groups. In Phase 1, situation analysis revealed that mothers initiated milk expression after more than 4 hours postpartum and expressed milk at intervals exceeding 3 hours, resulting in delayed or insufficient breastfeeding. In Phase 2, the development stage involved: (1) teaching mothers how to use the bonding clock, (2) monitoring milk expression every 3 hours, (3) recording milk volume and delivery, and (4) evaluating milk production before discharge. In Phase 3, the evaluation found that the experimental group had significantly higher milk expression within 4 hours postpartum (P < 0.001). While there was an increase in the rate of newborns receiving breastmilk within 24 hours, this difference was not statistically significant (P < 0.05). Mothers expressed high satisfaction with the innovation.This model demonstrated effectiveness in promoting timely breast milk expression and enhancing maternal breastfeeding behaviors.