Effect of thepillow for supporting baby’s back in a side-lying position to promote breastfeeding: A proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial in Thailand
Source: PubMed Central Open Access, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine
INTRODUCTION Despite the World Health Organization’s recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding, Thailand’s rate was only 14% in 2019. Many new mothers experience discomfort and lack confidence during breastfeeding. The novelbreastfeeding pillow was developed to support breastfeeding in the side-lying position. This study compared breastfeeding effectiveness between thepillow and the normal side-lying position and evaluated maternal satisfaction. s1 METHODS A proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial was conducted in a postpartum unit in Thailand. Ninety-two first-time mothers with vaginal births were randomly assigned to either thebreastfeeding pillow in the side-lying position (intervention) or the normal side-lying position (control). Breastfeeding effectiveness was assessed by nurse-midwives and mothers based on infant positioning and attachment. Maternal satisfaction with the pillow was measured using a self-report questionnaire. s2 RESULTS Compared with the control group, mothers using thebreastfeeding pillow demonstrated significant improvements in breastfeeding effectiveness, including reduced nipple pain during suckling [median=3 (IQR: 2–4) vs 3 (IQR: 1–4), p<0.001], observing more areola above the infant’s top lip [median=4 (IQR: 3–4) vs 3 (IQR:1–4), p<0.001], and improved support for continued suckling [median=4 (IQR: 2–4) vs 3 (IQR: 1–4), p<0.05]. Mothers in the intervention group reported high levels of satisfaction with the pillow, with 65.2% expressing confi
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the World Health Organization’s recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding, Thailand’s rate was only 14% in 2019. Many new mothers experience discomfort and lack confidence during breastfeeding. The novelbreastfeeding pillow was developed to support breastfeeding in the side-lying position. This study compared breastfeeding effectiveness between thepillow and the normal side-lying position and evaluated maternal satisfaction. s1 METHODS A proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial was conducted in a postpartum unit in Thailand. Ninety-two first-time mothers with vaginal births were randomly assigned to either thebreastfeeding pillow in the side-lying position (intervention) or the normal side-lying position (control). Breastfeeding effectiveness was assessed by nurse-midwives and mothers based on infant positioning and attachment. Maternal satisfaction with the pillow was measured using a self-report questionnaire. s2 RESULTS Compared with the control group, mothers using thebreastfeeding pillow demonstrated significant improvements in breastfeeding effectiveness, including reduced nipple pain during suckling [median=3 (IQR: 2–4) vs 3 (IQR: 1–4), p<0.001], observing more areola above the infant’s top lip [median=4 (IQR: 3–4) vs 3 (IQR:1–4), p<0.001], and improved support for continued suckling [median=4 (IQR: 2–4) vs 3 (IQR: 1–4), p<0.05]. Mothers in the intervention group reported high levels of satisfaction with the pillow, with 65.2% expressing confidence in breastfeeding. s3 CONCLUSIONS Thebreastfeeding pillow shows potential as a breastfeeding support aid; however, further research is needed to refine its design and evaluate broader applicability. The study is registered on the official website of Thai Clinical Trials Registry. TCTR20241016002 s4