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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
05:04
A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
Published on: September 22, 2023
Simple antenatal preparation to improve breastfeeding practice: a randomized controlled trial
Citra Nurfarah Mattar1, Yap-Seng Chong, Yah-Shih Chan
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|January 2, 2007
Summary
Simple antenatal education with counseling significantly improves breastfeeding rates up to six months postpartum. Face-to-face encounters are more effective than educational materials alone for enhancing breastfeeding practices.
Area of Science:
- Maternal and Child Health
- Public Health Interventions
- Lactation Science
Background:
- Breastfeeding is crucial for infant health, but suboptimal practices persist.
- Antenatal education aims to improve breastfeeding initiation and duration.
- The effectiveness of different educational approaches requires evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of simple antenatal educational interventions on breastfeeding practices.
- To compare the effectiveness of individual counseling versus educational materials alone versus routine care.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 401 low-risk antenatal patients.
- Three groups: educational material and counseling, educational material only, and routine care.
- Assessment of exclusive and predominant breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months postpartum.
Main Results:
- Individual counseling combined with educational material significantly improved exclusive and predominant breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months compared to routine care.
- Counseling group showed better breastfeeding outcomes at 6 months than the educational material only group.
- Odds ratios ranged from 2.4 to 2.6 for improved breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months.
Conclusions:
- A single antenatal education encounter with counseling significantly enhances breastfeeding practices up to 3 months postpartum.
- Printed or audiovisual materials alone are insufficient to improve breastfeeding rates.
- Healthcare providers should prioritize face-to-face breastfeeding discussions with expectant mothers.
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