The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a breastfeeding self-efficacy promotion intervention. More specifically our objectives were to: explore changes in self-efficacy following the intervention; explore changes in the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding following the intervention.
Breastfeeding is the optimal choice for feeding infants in order to ensure a healthy growth and development. Although breastfeeding has many benefits for the infant and the mother, breastfeeding rates drop drastically during the first three months after birth. There is a number of factors that influence the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding. One of the key factors is maternal self-efficacy in relation to breastfeeding. The aim of the study was the development and evaluation of an intervention to enhance maternal perceived self-efficacy in order to contribute positively to the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding. This was done by using a complex intervention approach (MRC framework) to design and assess a multi-center controlled trial, involving midwives and nurses working at the Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN) of the Servicio Navarro de Salud and at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra (CUN). These health professionals were trained to deliver the intervention. The intervention was focused on self-efficacy related aspects and took place at three instances with every mother: in the final stage of pregnancy, during the maternal hospital stay after giving birth, and in the first days after discharge. The participants in the control group received the standard care as provided in each health institution.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
125
Self-efficacy
Clinica Universidad de Navarra
Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra
Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Pública de Navarra
Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
Facultad de Enfermería. Universidad de Navarra
Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
Changes on Breastfeeding status reported by mothers
The mothers reported whether they were breastfeeding or not.
Time frame: at 4 time points: after birth while in hospital (T1); and 4 weeks (T2); 8 weeks (T3); and 6 months (T4) after birth
Changes on maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy measured using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF) questionnaire
The mothers completed the questionnaire in person in T1 and by phone in T2, T3 and T4
Time frame: at 4 time points: after birth while in hospital (T1); and 4 weeks (T2); 8 weeks (T3); and 6 months (T4) after birth
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.