Comparison of an empowering breastfeeding program before and after childbirth on exclusive breastfeeding time-span

Although breast feeding is one of the most important ways to improve child health، many mothers stop breastfeeding due to multiple factors and replace supplemental feeding. Therefore، it is important to apply appropriate methods for timely training of mothers in this area. This study compared the effectiveness of empowering mothers based on BASNEF model for breastfeeding during two periods، before and after delivery، on duration of exclusive breast feeding among primiparous mothers referring to Shariati Hospital in Isfahan، 2013.

In This quasi-experimental study، 99 nulliparous women attending Shariati Hospital were selected by convenience sampling method. After giving written informed consent، they were allocated to two intervention groups (i. e. group 1 before and group 2 after delivery) and one control group. The empowerment program which was based on BASNEF model components and behavioral objectives was conducted in one session where the participants were provided with a booklet and a phone number for later consultation. Duration of exclusive breast feeding was checked by telephone call during the 2nd and 4th months after delivery. Data were analyzes in SPSS (version 19) using descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tests including one-way ANOVA، chi-square، Bonfroni Follow-up at the significant level of α=0. 05.

The mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding was significantly more than those in the group that was significantly more in the 1st group than the 2nd or the 3rd group (p<0/05). This was more in the 2nd than the control group، but this difference was not significant (p>0/05).

Empowering mothers for breastfeeding prior to delivery is more effective in the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding than the postpartum period. So it is suggested that health officials use educational program for training mothers prior to delivery.