Impact of web based lactation support on exclusive breastfeeding, maternal motivation and breastfeeding challenges: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of a midwife- designed, visually and audibly enriched web-based breastfeeding counseling program on exclusive breastfeeding, breastfeeding motivation, and breastfeeding - related challenges during postpartum period. METHODS: The study employed a single-center, prospective, two-arm (1:1), randomized controlled experimental design. The sample consisted of 64 mothers (intervention group = 32; control group = 32) who delivered at a university hospital between January 01 and September 01,2023. Data were collected using the Maternal descriptive information form, Postpartum breastfeeding assessment and follow-up form, Breastfeeding motivation scale, Breastfeeding problems assessment scale, face-to-face within 24 h postpartum and online at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th months. Frequency, percentage values, mean, standard deviation, chi-square test, t-test, one-way and two-way ANOVA tests for repeated measures were employed for data analysis. RESULTS: The rate of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months was significantly higher in the intervention group (90.6%) compared to the control group (65.6%). Mothers in the intervention group exhibited significantly higher mean scores in the integrated regulation, intrinsic motivation, and identified regulation subscales of the BMS at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th month follow-up tests compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the total score average of the Breastfeeding problems assessment scale decreased over time in the intervention group, while it increased in the control group, with a moderate effect size (pη2 = 0.027). Furthermore, the majority of mothers in the intervention group found the WBBC application instructive and useful. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings provide evidence that web-based breastfeeding counseling effectively reduces breastfeeding problems, enhances breastfeeding motivation, and improves exclusive breastfeeding rates for the first six months postpartum. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05950048) and the first regisration date was 7/8/2023.