Empowering New Mothers: A Randomized Trial Exploring the Effect of a Nursing Educational Programme on Breastfeeding...

Breastfeeding is vital for the health of both the mother and the child, but many primigravida, or first-time mothers, encounter obstacles that affect their ability to successfully breastfeed.

This study sought to explore the impact of a health educational programme on breastfeeding practices and maternal self-efficacy.

A randomized controlled intervention design was employed, with participants allocated to either a control group or a study group receiving the educational programme. The study was conducted at the Maternal and Children Hospital in the Saudi Arabian cities of Hail and Bisha. A total of 442 primigravida mothers were enrolled, with 221 assigned to the study group and 221 to the control group. Data collection utilized the Self-Efficacy Scale Short-Form and a validated questionnaire assessing breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP). Each woman completed a structured interview and observations at five time points: pre-intervention (within the first week post-partum), post-intervention (2-3 weeks post-partum) and at 2, 4 and 6 months.

The study group showed statistically significant improvements in total KAP scores compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Self-efficacy increased significantly in the study group, with more women reporting high self-efficacy at 2 months (25.2%), 4 months (45.1%) and 6 months (50.5%).

A breastfeeding educational programme is a powerful tool for new mothers, enhancing practical skills and self-efficacy, leading to a more positive and sustained breastfeeding experience, supporting maternal and infant health outcomes.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06423534.