THE EFFECT OF SUPPORTIVE COMPANIONSHIP ON LENGTH OF LABOR AND DESIRE TO BREASTFEED IN PRIMIPAROUS WOMEN

Child birth is the most significant life change experience for primiparous
women with lifelong effects on their health. Being alone in labor in an unfamiliar environment such as
a hospital can be a frightening experience for a vulnerable mother-to-be. This study was aimed to
evaluate the effects of psychosocial support during labor, delivery and the immediate postpartum
period provided by a female companion of her choice during labor, breastfeeding desire and motherinfant interaction.
Materials & Methods: This study was conducted on 210 primiparous mothers at the age range of 18-
35 years old who were at 37 weeks of gestational age or grater at onset of labor. The study population
was randomly divided into cases and controls. The case group had a female companion experienced at
birth to provide continuous physical and emotional support. The second group women were alone in
labor. We compared the duration of labor, time of delivery, Apgar scores, breastfeeding intent and
early breastfeeding initiation one hour after birth and demographic factors of mothers. The data were
analyzed by SPSS software.
Result: There were no significant difference between groups in demographic factors, age, gestational
age; fetal weight, and state of anxiety score at admission time. The time of initiation of breastfeeding
one hour after birth was significantly lower in the intervention group, and the length of labor was
significantly shorter in the case group compared to the control group. Newborn Apgar score was
higher in the control group.
Conclusion: Psychosocial support by a female companion of patient's choice has a positive effect on
breastfeeding and length of labor. Psychosocial support is an important factor for breastfeeding start