Learning and adherence to baby massage after two teaching strategies.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Little is known about learning/adherence after different baby massage teaching strategies. We compared the learning/adherence after two strategies. DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty mothers from the group manual-course (GMC) and 20 from the group manual-orientations (GMO) received a booklet. GMC participated in a course during the third trimester. GMO received verbal instructions during the postpartum hospital stay. Multiple-choice and practical tests assessed learning (GMC performing strokes on a doll; GMO on the baby). Adherence was measured 3 months after childbirth. RESULTS: No differences were found between the groups in learning/adherence. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Both teaching strategies showed similar and positive results.