Design of breastfeeding clothes during postpartum hospitalization―From the perspective of facilitating midwifery breast care―

Abstract

Purpose

To clarify the components of breastfeeding clothing worn by puerperal women during postpartum hospitalization that make it easier for midwives to perform breast care.

Participants and Methods

A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 130 midwives at five facilities in Fukuoka Prefecture, and 78 responded (60% response rate). Respondents were asked to choose among 10 different types of breastfeeding clothes―including those that help or hinder breast care worn by puerperal women who receive breast care, and breastfeeding clothes used at work. Respondents were asked to rate the 10 types of breastfeeding clothes in terms of “ease of access to the breast during breast care” on a four-point scale, and to rate 10 elements valued in breastfeeding clothes worn by hospitalized puerperal women.

Results

The breastfeeding clothes that facilitated breast care included the negligee (full front opening), pajamas (full front opening), and pajamas (yukata type). Conversely, clothes that impeded breast care by midwives consisted of four types: negligee (no front opening), pajamas (no front opening), negligee (upper front opening), and negligee (with opening for breastfeeding). Approximately 87% of midwives had experienced breast care for puerperal women wearing these types of clothes. Midwives emphasized “ease of access to the breast” and “comfort” as important elements of breastfeeding clothes worn by hospitalized puerperal women. Approximately 65% of midwives required an opening in clothes during breast care, with 92% requiring a size of 20 sq. cm or larger.

Conclusion

Three types of breastfeeding clothes aided midwives in breast care: negligees (full front opening), pajamas (full front opening), and pajamas (yukata type). Approximately 87% of midwives have provided breast care to puerperal women who wore breastfeeding clothes that impeded breast care. This shows that the design of breastfeeding clothes affects the ease of performing breast care. Approximately 65% of midwives required an opening in clothes during breast care, with 92% requiring a size of 20 sq. cm or larger. Since midwives emphasized ease of access to the breast, it became clear that they preferred a wide opening in breastfeeding clothing worn by puerperal women.