Effectiveness of Lactation Support on Knowledge and Self-Efficacy of Breastfeeding among Postnatal Mothers

Abstract

Breastfeeding is a natural art that can be learned. Preparation for breastfeeding remains very important in motivating mother and successful action after childbirth. Aim: To determine the effectiveness of lactation support on knowledge and self-efficacy of breastfeeding among mothers. Settings and Design: Hospital-based; Quasi-experimental-time series design. Non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to collect 103 experimental and 101 control group samples. Using a researcher administered questionnaire and modified breastfeeding self-efficacy scale-short form (BFSES-SF) knowledge and self-efficacy of breastfeeding data was collected, tabulated, and analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: In post-test among experimental group, 25 (24.17%) of the mothers had inadequate level of knowledge score, 46 (44.66%) had moderate level of knowledge score and 32 (31.07%) had adequate level of knowledge score. In control group, 55 (54.46%) had inadequate level of knowledge score, 46 (45.54%) had moderate level of knowledge score and none of them were having adequate level of knowledge score. In experimental group, repeated measures ANOVA F-test analysis shows, mean overallself-efficacy score isstatistically significant difference between post-test-1 and posttest-3 (F=99.42, P≤0.001). Therefore, lactation support on self-efficacy of breastfeeding is effective among mothers. In control group, there is no statistically significant difference; therefore, researchers conclude that routine care is not effective. Conclusion: Interventions aimed at enhancing self-efficacy, had significant impact on short term breastfeeding outcomes.