title: Testing communication models for relactation in an Egyptian setting.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Early discontinuation of breastfeeding exposes babies to severe and fatal illnesses. The aim of this study was to identify the barriers to relactation among Egyptian women who had stopped breastfeeding and to test different interventions to support the mothers to relactate.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a prospective longitudinal cohort study of 200 mothers from Alexandria with babies less than 3 months of age who were not breastfeeding. They were exposed to three different types of educational models (problem solving, coaching, and cautioning) and followed up by phone calls over a period of 6 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compliance with the protocol for relactation varied according to the educational model used. Only 10% succeeded in relactating. The most effective educational strategy was the problem solving (45%) and the coaching (50%). The least effective was the cautioning approach (5%). Determinants of relactation included mother's education level (100%), cup feeding with no nipples or soothers (70%), and the husband's involvement (70%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that the choice of appropriate educational models is key to encouraging mothers to return to breastfeeding. This study strongly supports Step Ten of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha City, Kaluibiya Governorate, Egypt. azfadl@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Azza Mohamed A
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Abul-Fadl
authors.forename: Ibrahim
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kharboush
authors.forename: Mohga
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fikry
authors.forename: Mona
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Adel
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004534:Egypt / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D007229:Infant Welfare; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007774:Lactation / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008429:Maternal Welfare / Q000523:psychology; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires