A Technological Approach to Improved Breastfeeding Rates and Self-Efficacy: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding confers significant maternal and infant benefits; however, breastfeeding rates remain suboptimal in the United States. A parent's decision to breastfeed is influenced by non-modifiable and modifiable factors, including breastfeeding knowledge and self-efficacy. There is a positive correlation between high maternal self-efficacy and breastfeeding duration. Parents increasingly rely on technology for health information.

RESEARCH AIM

To determine if a smartphone application affected maternal self-efficacy and breastfeeding exclusivity rates.

METHOD

This study was a randomized, controlled pilot study examining the effect of an educational program, included in a smartphone application, on breastfeeding self-efficacy (assessed in postpartum Week 1 and Weeks 4-6) and breastfeeding rates (assessed in postpartum Weeks 4-6). Forty participants were recruited using block randomization to intervention (17 of 20 completed the study) and usual care (19 of 20 completed the study) groups. To examine the pre-test/post-test difference in the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale - Short Form total scores, a change in score (post-intervention minus pre-intervention) was calculated for each parent.

RESULT

The intervention group (phone application and usual care) showed greater change in self-efficacy scores ( = 7.6,  = 7.8) compared to the control group (usual care;  = 1.2,  = 3.7,  = .001). The rate of exclusive breastfeeding was nearly twice as high in the intervention group as in the control group, but did not reach statistical significance ( = .093).

CONCLUSION

The investigators found enhanced breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding rates among postpartum women receiving a smartphone educational program in the first 6 weeks postpartum. Further studies on smartphone interventions will develop our understanding of this technology in improving breastfeeding rates.