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Arch Iran Med. 2019;22(8): 443-452.
PMID: 31679347
Scopus ID: 85074388729
  Abstract View: 4250
  PDF Download: 1702

Original Article

Designing and Evaluating an Empowering Program for Breastfeeding: A Mixed-Methods Study

Shahnaz Kohan 1, Mahrokh Keshvari 2, Fatemeh Mohammadi 2, Zeinab Heidari 2*

1 Midwifery and Reproductive Health Department, Nursing & Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Nursing & Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
*Corresponding Author: Email: zeinab_heidari@nm.mui.ac.ir

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding empowerment is a key motivational, psychological and flexible factor influencing the continuance of breastfeeding. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to design and evaluate the empowering program for breastfeeding.

Methods: We used a mixed-methods study with a sequential exploratory approach. In the qualitative phase, we explored the experiences of women about empowerment for breastfeeding using conventional content analysis. In the intervention phase, we designed and implemented a breastfeeding empowerment program based on the findings of the qualitative phase and evaluated it 2 weeks, 2 months and 4 months after childbirth. This randomized clinical trial is registered under IRCT2015081723657N1.

Results: Analysis of data from the interviews in the qualitative phase yielded three main categories, namely “adequate knowledge and skills about breastfeeding”, “overcoming breastfeeding problems” and “perception of family support for breastfeeding”. In the qualitative phase, after implementing the program, the mean scores of breastfeeding empowerment were significantly higher in the intervention compared to the control group at 2 weeks (mean difference= -25.30; 95% CI = -5.36, -15.23), 2 months (mean difference = -21.71; 95% CI = -31.24, -12.19), and 4 months (mean difference = -17.72; 95% CI = -27.14, -8.30) after childbirth (P<0.001). In addition, exclusive breastfeeding was significantly higher in the intervention group at 2 weeks, 2 months and 4 months after childbirth (P=0.003, P=0.003, P=0.044, respectively).

Conclusion: To empower women for breastfeeding, the mother, father and key family members should be educated using practical and visual teaching techniques during pregnancy and postpartum period. Moreover, since breastfeeding empowerment is established 2 weeks after childbirth, empowering programs should be implemented prior to this period.


Cite this article as: Kohan S, Keshvari M, Mohammadi F, Heidari Z. Designing and evaluating an empowering program for breastfeeding: a mixed-methods study. Arch Iran Med. 2019;22(8):443–452.
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Submitted: 15 Feb 2018
Accepted: 26 Jul 2019
ePublished: 01 Aug 2019
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