Effectiveness of early suckling on maternal and neonatal outcome during third stage of labour

Third stage of labour is a crucial period when unexpected and uncontrolled bleeding can lead to a rapid deterioration of the mother, at times leads to significant mortality. Early suckling combined with active management of third stage of labour by a competent midwife, reduces blood loss by enhancing the uterine contraction and establishes bonding between the mother and new born.

To assess the effectiveness of early suckling on maternal and neonatal outcome during third stage of labour.

Quantitative approach, Quasi Experimental -Post Test Only Design. Convenient sampling technique was used to collect data from 60 mothers (30 control group, 30 experimental) admitted for normal delivery at DMMH, Chennai. Initiation of early suckling was employed within 3 min after birth of baby having satisfactory APGAR in first minute. Maternal, neonatal outcome was observed using structured questionnaire; the data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

In the experimental group post-test mean score was 12.77 with S.D 0.68 and in the control group, the post-test mean score was 9.83 with S.D 1.18. The calculated ‘t’ value of 11.825 was statistically highly significant at p<0.001; shows significant difference between the post-test level of maternal outcome between the experimental and control group. In regard to neonatal outcome post-test mean score was 12.50 with S.D 1.00 and in the control group, the post-test mean score was 8.87 with S.D 1.14. The calculated ‘t’ value of 13.096 was statistically highly significant at p <0.001 showing significant difference between the post-test level of neonatal outcome between the experimental and control group.

Early suckling during labour has a positive effect on maternofoetal outcome; nurse midwife demonstrates vital role in optimised outcomes for all women and new born.