Continuous Lactation Support Provided Through the WhatsApp Messaging Application: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Limited research exists on the efficacy of WhatsApp for continuous lactation support.
• Mobile health (mHealth) offers potential for accessible and cost-effective health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of WhatsApp-based lactation support on breastfeeding duration and exclusivity.
• To assess effects on complementary feeding, breastfeeding problems, and infant feeding practices.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 129 primiparous women in Turkey.
• Intervention group received continuous WhatsApp support for 6 months post-discharge.
• Data collected via telephone interviews over 6 months; statistical analyses included t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-square tests.

Main Results:

• Mean exclusive breastfeeding duration was significantly higher in the intervention group (4.75 months) vs. control (2.21 months).
• The intervention group showed a greater reduction in breastfeeding difficulties severity score.
• Exclusive breastfeeding rates at 6 months were 62.5% in the intervention group versus 10.8% in the control group.

Conclusions:

• WhatsApp-based lactation support is an effective, accessible, and low-cost method for providing continuous maternal support.
• Mobile health applications can bridge gaps in lactation care, improving breastfeeding outcomes.