Authors (including presenting author) :
Yuet Pik CHIN, UCHN APN(O&G)(1) Windy TSUI, UCHAH PTI (2) Yee Ching LEE, UCHN APN (O&G)(1) Ka Po LAM, UCHN APN (O&G)(1) Virginia SIT, UCHAH PTI(2) Alision Ho, UCHAH PTII(2) Oi Ming WAN, UCHN DOM (O&G)(1) Eric WONG, UCHAH DM (PT)(2)
Affiliation :
(1) Obstetric & Gynaecology department, United Christian Hospital. (2) Physiotherapy Department, United Christian Hospital.
Introduction :
Breastfeeding has wide-ranging benefits for both the mother and her child. In UCH post-natal unit, there are over 80% breastfeeding mothers and 72-82% of them suffered from breast engorgement. They would experience pain, discomforts and inadequate drainage of breast milk. Therapeutic ultrasound is a non-invasive, safe and effective treatment for mothers with breast engorgement and blocked ducts. It started to be used in Australia since 1980's and has been introduced in Hong Kong recently. Lactation consultant support complemented ultrasound perfectly and enhanced the treatment effect further. The collaboration between Physiotherapy Department and O&G commenced in January 2020 which demonstrated successful results on 28 mothers suffering from severe breast engorgement.
Objectives :
1.Provide prompt and efficient service within post-partum period for mothers in need. 2.Enhance team co-operation and communication of service through effective communication for each case. 3.Facilitate better breastfeeding service and support, in addition to reduce breastfeeding cessation.
Methodology :
Methodology: 1.Case screening Lactation consultants will assess mothers’ breastfeeding condition before discharge and screen for any breast engorgement. Interventions for breast engorgement. Conventional therapy includes correct breastfeeding position, massage, hand expressing, Ice pack therapy…etc. will be applied. If symptoms exist, lactation consultant will communicate with doctor and a referral for ultrasound treatment to physiotherapy department will be suggested. 2.Lactation consultants and physiotherapists collaborative work. Same day appointments for lactation consultants and physiotherapist for ultrasound therapy would be arranged. Further follow up appointment will be arranged to breast engorgement mother if needed. Case reviewed by lactation nurse in Breastfeeding clinic to reassess the progress of engorgement release. 3.Service evaluation Questionnaire had been designed for these group of mothers after completing all lactation care to access their satisfactory of treatment and lactation progress. Cases report will be communicated to workgroup staff to adjust service need.
Result & Outcome :
Result and Outcome: 1.Total 28 patients were recruited in the collaborative service since January 2020 and plan to continue. 8 mothers started treatment with ultrasound and lactation nurse consultation before discharging home, 20 mothers attended Breastfeeding clinic to receive ultrasound and lactation nurse consultation after discharging home. 2.Overall comments on satisfaction of the Ultrasound and Lactation consultation services ( 20 questionnaires analysis) (Including Pain relief, milk drainage and emotional support) 90% Satisfactory 5% neutral 5 % unsatisfactory 3.Breast engorgement and poor milk drainage is the mind reason of BF cessation. With the Ultrasound and Lactation Breastfeeding consultation, the Breastfeeding persistence in our study: 95 % continues BF 55% continues exclusive BF 40% BF require maxed with formula feed. 5 % changed to AF
