Motivational Interviewing to Support Breastfeeding After Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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Published on: February 5, 2019
Buse Alış1, Gözde Gökçe İsbir2
1Sinop University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Midwifery Department, Türkiye.
Background:
Cesarean delivery is associated with delayed initiation and shorter duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Motivational interviewing, by addressing ambivalence and enhancing women's confidence, may improve breastfeeding outcomes.
Research Aim:
To compare breastfeeding self-efficacy, breastfeeding importance and confidence, and exclusive breastfeeding duration between women who received motivational interviewing-based breastfeeding counseling and those who received standard counseling.
Methods:
A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in Türkiye between September 2023 and June 2024. Women who delivered by Cesarean section (n = 74) were randomly assigned to the intervention group (motivational interviewing, n = 37) or the control group (standard counseling, n = 37). Participants in both groups received three breastfeeding counseling sessions, consisting of either motivational interviewing-based or routine standardized counseling according to group allocation. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 24-48 hours, 14 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postpartum.
Results:
Of the 74 women recruited, 63 completed the study. No significant baseline differences were found between the groups in sociodemographic or obstetric characteristics. At follow-up, women in the intervention group reported significantly higher breastfeeding self-efficacy, greater importance attached to breastfeeding, and higher breastfeeding confidence scores compared to controls (p < .05). Exclusive breastfeeding rates were significantly higher in the intervention group at 6 months postpartum (p < .05).
Conclusions:
Motivational interviewing-based breastfeeding counseling appears to enhance maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy, perceived confidence, the importance attributed to breastfeeding, and exclusive breastfeeding outcomes. Results suggest that motivational interviewing may be considered as a promising strategy to support breastfeeding among women planning Cesarean delivery.
