Effect of Hoffman’s exercise on level of breastfeeding among postnatal mothers with nipple defect

Abstract

Breastfeeding is the most cost-effective intervention for reducing infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Having flat or inverted nipples is among the reasons that prevent exclusive breastfeeding. Hoffman's exercise is a manual exercise that may help break adhesions at the base of the nipple that keep it inverted. The present study aims to assess the effect of Hoffman’s exercise on level of breastfeeding among postnatal mothers with nipple defect admitted at TMM hospital, Thiruvalla. The objectives of the study were to assess the pretest level of breastfeeding among postnatal mothers with nipple defect, to evaluate the effect of Hoffman’s exercise on level of breastfeeding among postnatal mothers with nipple defect and to find the association between pretest levels of breastfeeding with selected baseline variables. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 50 samples, the exercise was taught to the mothers and the practices were assessed. The post test score was increased after the practice of Hoffman’s exercise and there was no association between pretest levels of breastfeeding with selected baseline variables. The study concluded that Hoffman’s exercise was effective in improving the level of breastfeeding among postnatal mothers with nipple defect.