Randomized Controlled Trial of a Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Intervention in Primiparous Women in Iran

To determine the effects of a prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy intervention on breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding outcomes.

Randomized controlled trial.

Four health centers in Ahvaz, Iran.

A total of 120 low-risk, nulliparous women between 35 and 37 weeks gestation who intended to breastfeed their singleton infants.

Women were randomly assigned to receive the breastfeeding self-efficacy intervention (n = 60) or standard care (n = 60). The intervention was multifaceted and included two prenatal group sessions, an information package with breastfeeding images, and text messages until 8 weeks postpartum to promote exclusive breastfeeding. The primary outcome was breastfeeding self-efficacy measured with the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, translated into Persian, at 8 weeks postpartum. Additional outcomes included rates of breastfeeding exclusivity, duration, practices, satisfaction, and problems.

At 8 weeks postpartum, participants in the intervention group had significantly higher mean Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form scores and rates of exclusive breastfeeding than those in the control group. No significant group differences were found with regard to breastfeeding duration.

Emerging evidence supports the use of breastfeeding self-efficacy interventions to improve breastfeeding self-efficacy and rates of exclusive breastfeeding. Further evaluation of this prenatal intervention is warranted.