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Meaning of communication in the Lactation Counseling
MELICHAROVÁ, Natálie
The topic of this thesis is the importance of communication in lactation counseling. The thesis consists of a theoretical and a research section. At the beginning of the theoretical section, we describe breastfeeding and its importance for both mother and newborn, while other chapters describe lactation physiology, breast milk composition and lactation counseling. The most important part of the theoretical section is definitely the chapter named communication, which is discussed in greater detail. We cannot omit elements of communication, verbal and non-verbal communication and, last but not least, the chapter elements of communication between a healthcare professional and a patient, which emphasizes how to conduct a conversation with a patient to be successful. In the theoretical section, great emphasis is placed on education in lactation counseling and on complications that may occur during breastfeeding. Of course, we cannot leave out proper breastfeeding positions and correct techniques that are necessary for the next stage of breastfeeding, that every lactation advisor should know. Two goals have been set for the research section. The first aim of the work was to map the satisfaction of mothers of sucklings up to one year with lactation counseling. The second goal was to map the level of knowledge and communication lactation counselors have in the field of lactation counseling. According to the first goal the hypothesis was constructed so that there are differences in the satisfaction of mothers with lactation counseling depending on the level of their communication skills. A research question was assigned to the second goal and it focuses on the level of knowledge and communication lactation counselors have in the field of lactation counseling. The research was carried out using qualitative and quantitative research, whereby individual semi-structured and in-depth interviews were used in the qualitative survey. These were conducted with five lactation advisors. The lactation counselors were acquainted with the topic of the bachelor thesis and were assured of maintaining anonymity. Based on data analysis, three main categories with subcategories were set. The results of qualitative research have shown that lactation consultanst have 7 communication skills in lactation counseling at a very good level. The responses of the lactation counselors were matching, independent of each other. Quantitative research was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire whereby we were most interested in the satisfaction of mothers with the lactation counselor. A total of 126 questionnaires were filled in, which were completed electronically between February 2019 and March 2019. A zero hypothesis was chosen and later confirmed by reaserch. It is clear from the results of the quantitative research that more than half of the interviewed mothers would use the services of a lactation advisor in the future. Lactation counselors were also evaluated by mothers who used lactation counseling during pregnancy or after birth. The evaluation of lactation counselors was rather positive than negative, as more than half of the mothers evaluated the lactation consultants positively. The results of the research can be used as material for a better awarness among lactation counselors, as well as for the general public, especially for expectant mothers, but also as a study material for schools.
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