Randomized controlled trial to determine effects of prenatal breastfeeding workshop on maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding duration.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of a prenatal breastfeeding workshop on maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding duration.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Large tertiary hospital in Ontario, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

110 primiparous women expecting a single child, an uncomplicated birth, and planning to breastfeed.

INTERVENTION

2.5-hour prenatal breastfeeding workshop based on adult learning principles and self-efficacy theory.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy and the numbers of days and amount of breastfeeding were measured at four and eight weeks postpartum. RESULTS/DATA ANALYSIS: Over time, maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy scores increased in both groups. Women who attended the workshop had higher self-efficacy scores and a higher proportion were exclusively breastfeeding compared to women who did not attend the workshop. There was little difference in the average number of days of breastfeeding, but the intervention group had less weaning.

CONCLUSIONS

The workshop increased maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding.