The Influence Of Quiet Time On Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates At Discharge

Abstract

Breastfeeding is considered the optimum method of infant feeding. Research on strategies to promote exclusive breastfeeding is necessary to improve current exclusive breastfeeding rates. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a quiet time rest period on exclusive breastfeeding rates and on the perception of effective breastfeeding at discharge. A consecutive sample of 160 breastfeeding women was used. Data was collected using the Beginning Breastfeeding Survey and a researcher developed demographic survey. Although not statistically significant, findings showed a higher percentage of exclusive breastfeeding rates in mothers who participated in Quiet Time (52.5% to 47.5%). This indicates that Quiet Time may have an impact on exclusive breastfeeding. However, the relationship between Quiet Time and the perception of effective breastfeeding showed statistically significant results, (t(178)=.166, p<0.05), which indicated that mothers who participated in Quiet Time, (m=123.58, sd=13.560), perceived a more effective breastfeeding experience than mothers who did not, (m=119.58, sd=16.644).