Tandem Breastfeeding Clinical Trial
Official title:
Comparison of Milk Compositions of Tandem Breastfeeding Mothers With Milk Compositions of Single Infant Breastfeeding Mothers: Randomized Controlled Trial
The impact of tandem breastfeeding on the health of mothers and babies is a matter of curiosity. It is stated in the literature that there are few studies that examine the results of tandem breastfeeding in terms of mother, newborn and other baby after birth, and that there are no negative consequences of breastfeeding in terms of mother, newborn and older baby at two different ages. Research shows that while it is possible for mothers to continue breastfeeding by counselling to them based on evidence-based information, most of them have ended breastfeeding. It is the responsibility of nurses to make this process more successful and seamless for both mothers and babies. In tandem breastfeeding, the nurse should advise the mother on her own feeding and breastfeeding, and should refer her to her physician if she considers it necessary. There is no clear and up - to-date source showing changes in mother's milk over time (24-72 hours-one month), production time (colostrum and mature milk), changes in milk composition in tandem breastfeeding in the current literature, and this study is original with this aspect.
Background: Considering the health benefits both for the infant and the mother, American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend only mother's milk
in the first six months of life and then continuing breastfeeding for at least two years with
complementary feeding (Eidelman, 2012; Topal et al., 2011). A review of the breastfeeding
status of babies in Turkey reveals that breastfeeding is common, but it is not at a
satisfactory level in terms of the length of time babies are given mother's milk only or in
the total length of breastfeeding. One of the most important reasons is early start of
complementary food or early weaning (TNSA2018). In 5.7 to 29.2% of the cases where
breastfeeding was terminated early, the mother became pregnant again during the lactation
period. Both mothers and healthcare professionals are confused as to whether breastfeeding
should continue in pregnancy. Moreover, the field literature does not offer any information
about any changes in the milk composition of a mother breastfeeding two babies of different
ages at the same time (tandem breastfeeding). It is also known that some mothers who get
pregnant during lactation period or with an interval of less than two years do not wean the
first-born and continue breastfeeding both babies at the same time (Bøhler & Ingstad, 1996;
Moscone & Moore, 1993; O'Rourke & Spatz, 2019). In light of this information, this study
project is aimed to explore any differences in the composition (fat, protein, lactose, water,
and casein) and density of milk during pregnancy or tandem breastfeeding.
Method: The universe of the study is planned to consist of all multigravid women admitted to
the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the Sakarya University Education and Research
Hospital, Turkey, breastfeeding postpartum in tandem and not breastfeeding during pregnancy.
The sample of the study, including 15 control and 15 experimental groups, 30 mothers to be
selected according to the inclusion criteria. groups will be determined by simple random
sampling method. In order to assign the mothers who meet the selection criteria into the
experimental group or the control group, the randomization method with a computer program
(http://www1.assumption.edu/users/ avadum/applets/RandAssin/Groupgen.html) was used. Data
collection is planned to take place in two stages for control and experimental groups. The
first stages correspond to 24 to 72 hours postpartum. This is to be accomplished through
house calls upon appointment with the mothers. During the house call, 15 ml milk is obtained
from the mother with suitable methods (Appendix…) and preserved in a sterilized milk
collection container. At the end of birth, 15 ml colostrum will be taken from the mother,
instead of 30 ml, so that the babies in both groups benefit more from colostrum. Then, it is
analyzed within the next 3 hours in terms of its composition (moisture, protein, oil,
lactose) and to the Tubitak Mam Research Center to the Nutrition Lab for analysis.Results are
recorded in the "Breastfeeding Follow-up Form." The final stages (after the 1st month
postpartum), during the house call, 30 ml milk is obtained from the mother with suitable
methods (Appendix…) and preserved in a sterilized milk collection container, other steps will
be repeated in the same order. The results of the analysis will be compared with the breast
milk compositions in the control group. The results of this study are expected to clarify the
attitudes of healthcare professionals about tandem breastfeeding and to draw attention to
this issue, thereby providing guidance and encouragement for further studies on the subject..
;
| Status | Clinical Trial | Phase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not yet recruiting |
NCT05338203 -
Comparison of Breast Milk Contents in Tandem Breastfeeding and Non-Tandem Breastfeeding Mother
|
N/A |