A Technological Approach to Improved Breastfeeding Rates and Self-Efficacy: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Maternal and Child Health
• Health Informatics
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Suboptimal breastfeeding rates persist in the US despite known benefits.
• Maternal self-efficacy and knowledge are key factors influencing breastfeeding duration.
• Mothers increasingly use technology for health information, including breastfeeding support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a smartphone application on maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy.
• To assess the effect of a smartphone application on exclusive breastfeeding rates.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, controlled pilot study involved 40 participants.
• Participants were assigned to an intervention group (smartphone app + usual care) or a control group (usual care).
• Breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusivity were assessed in the early postpartum period.

Main Results:

• The intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in breastfeeding self-efficacy scores compared to the control group (p=0.001).
• Exclusive breastfeeding rates were nearly double in the intervention group, though this did not reach statistical significance (p=0.093).

Conclusions:

• A smartphone educational program can enhance breastfeeding self-efficacy in postpartum women.
• Smartphone interventions show promise for improving breastfeeding rates and require further investigation.