Paternal Support and Its Relationship With Breastfeeding Adaptation and Self-Efficacy

Overview

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of paternal support on breastfeeding adaptation and breastfeeding self-efficacy among mothers attending a structured pregnancy school program. The study is conducted at Zeynep Kamil Women and Children's Diseases Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye, and includes pregnant women and their partners. Participants are assigned to an experimental group (attending the program as a couple) or a control group (mother attends alone) using random allocation. Data are collected through validated self-report scales administered during the postpartum period. The primary outcomes include changes in maternal breastfeeding adaptation and self-efficacy, and paternal breastfeeding self-efficacy. This study addresses a critical gap in perinatal care by actively involving fathers in breastfeeding support and education, aiming to improve breastfeeding outcomes and promote shared parenting roles.

Detailed Description This randomized controlled experimental study investigates the effect of paternal support on breastfeeding adaptation and breastfeeding self-efficacy in mothers, using a sample drawn from participants in a pregnancy school. The study is designed in accordance with ethical principles and has received institutional review board approval. Background and Rationale: Breastfeeding is universally recognized as the normative standard for infant nutrition due to its numerous short- and long-term benefits for both infants and mothers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding up to two years or beyond. Despite this, global breastfeeding rates remain suboptimal. In Türkiye, exclusive breastfeeding rates are approximately 40.7% in the first six months, and only about 30% of children continue breastfeeding until age two (TDHS, 2018). Multiple factors influence breastfeeding duration and maternal success, one of which is the presence of social and emotional support-particularly from the infant's father. Research shows that paternal attitudes and involvement significantly influence mothers' confidence and determination to breastfeed. Fathers' support in the early postpartum period contributes positively to both maternal mental health and infant care outcomes. However, fathers are often not actively included in perinatal education or breastfeeding promotion strategies, despite evidence supporting their crucial role. Aim: The primary aim of this study is to determine the effect of paternal support-facilitated through participation in a structured pregnancy school program-on breastfeeding adaptation and maternal/paternal breastfeeding self-efficacy. Study Design: This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial with a post-test-only design. The study is conducted at Zeynep Kamil Women and Children's Diseases Training and Research Hospital between September 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025. It includes mothers and fathers who participated in a six-week structured pregnancy school. The intervention includes educational sessions on pregnancy care, nutrition, labor, pain management, breastfeeding, newborn care, and postpartum recovery. Participants are randomly assigned to experimental and control groups using a table of random numbers based on order of enrollment in the pregnancy school. Couples who attend sessions together are assigned to the experimental group, while those where only the mother attends are assigned to the control group. Participants: Inclusion criteria include: Women aged 18-49 and men aged 18-64 Residing in Istanbul and able to attend in-person sessions No mental or physical disability Ability to use smartphones or communication apps Voluntary participation with informed consent Sample Size: A total of 152 individuals (76 couples) are planned, with at least 38 couples per group, based on power analysis (90% power, α = 0.05). Data Collection Tools: Demographic Information Form: Gathers socio-demographic and pregnancy-related data. Postpartum Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form: 14-item, 5-point Likert scale assessing mothers' confidence in breastfeeding; validated in Turkish. Breastfeeding Adaptation Scale: 27-135 point scale with 8 subdimensions evaluating mothers' adaptation to breastfeeding; validated in Turkish. Paternal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form: 14-item scale assessing fathers' perceptions and support related to breastfeeding. All instruments have received permission for use and are validated for the Turkish population. Procedure: First Interview: Conducted with pregnant couples upon enrollment in the pregnancy school. Those attending with their partners are assigned to the experimental group. Initial informed consent is obtained. Second Interview: Conducted during the postpartum period, approximately four weeks after birth. Mothers and fathers complete the relevant forms. A pilot study with 10 participants is conducted prior to full-scale data collection. Expected Outcomes: The study aims to demonstrate that paternal participation in perinatal education positively affects both mothers' breastfeeding adaptation and self-efficacy, and fathers' self-efficacy in supporting breastfeeding. It is anticipated that structured, father-inclusive education will improve breastfeeding outcomes and reinforce gender-equitable caregiving roles in the postpartum period. Significance: This study fills a significant gap in breastfeeding support strategies by actively involving fathers through a targeted educational intervention. It contributes to the broader goal of promoting sustainable breastfeeding practices and aligns with global and national public health objectives.