Development of a mobile application-based breastfeeding program and evaluation of its effectiveness

Background: Breastfeeding has many benefits for maternal and infant health. Mobile health interventions are increasingly used to increase breastfeeding initiation and support breastfeeding continuation.Purpose: This study aimed to develop a mobile application-based breastfeeding program (MABBP) and to evaluate effectiveness.Design and methods: This randomized controlled trial study was conducted with 73 mothers on the first postpartum day hospitalized in the postpartum service of a university hospital in Turkey. Mothers in the MABBP group (experimental group) were included in the mobile application-based breastfeeding training program on the first postpartum day. The Participant Information Form, the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT), and the Breastfeeding Experience Scale (BES), Breastfeeding Follow-up Form, and Baby Physical Development Followup Form were administered. In the second follow-up, the Mobile Application Evaluation Form was used additionally to collect data from the MABBP group.Results: There was no significant difference between the postpartum first-day MABBP and control groups in the mean IBFAT scores. In the first and second follow-up, the rate of breastfeeding exclusively was higher and the rate of experiencing breastfeeding problems was lower in the MABBP group compared to the control group. While the mean BES score on the first postpartum day was significantly higher in the MABBP group compared to the control group, it was found to be significantly lower in the second follow-up.Conclusion: It was determined that the MABBP contributed to the mothers' experiencing fewer breastfeeding problems and feeding the babies exclusively with breast milk at a higher rate. Practice implications: This study suggests that pediatric nurses can support mothers during breastfeeding with the breastfeeding mobile application.(c) 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.