Documentation of second-by-second breastfeeding behaviors using a novel method

J Hum Lact. 1997 Mar;13(1):23-7. doi: 10.1177/089033449701300112.

Abstract

The specific way nursing patterns influence the duration of postpartum amenorrhea is unknown. This may result from the shortcomings of available methods: the daily log and recall. We tested these against a novel method, an event monitor (EM), consisting of a wrist-worn stopwatch that stores events. Exclusively breastfeeding women (n = 11) were assigned randomly to use each of the three methods twice during a 2-week period surrounding Weeks 4, 8, and 12 postpartum. More nursing episodes were recorded with the EM than log during Week 4 (p < 0.03) and Week 8 (p < 0.02). EM captured more episodes than recall during all study periods (p < 0.004). The EM was considered as acceptable and accurate to mothers as the other methods and, therefore, is a useful option for documenting breastfeeding patterns.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Feeding*
  • Documentation / methods*
  • Documentation / standards
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Maternal Behavior*
  • Nursing Assessment / methods*
  • Nursing Assessment / standards
  • Reproducibility of Results