A pilot randomized controlled trial of a breastfeeding self-efficacy intervention with primiparous mothers.
OBJECTIVE
To pilot test a newly developed breastfeeding self-efficacy intervention.


METHODS
Pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT).


METHODS
An acute care hospital located in Northwestern Ontario that is the sole provider of maternity care for the city and referral center for the region.


METHODS
One-hundred-and-fifty primiparous women intending to breastfeed their healthy, term, singleton infant.


METHODS
A standardized, individualized nursing intervention protocol was designed and administered to increase mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention group or control group using sealed, opaque envelopes. Participants in the intervention group received three individualized, self-efficacy enhancing sessions with the researcher: two in-hospital and one by telephone. Participants in the control group received standard in-hospital and community care.


METHODS
Feasibility, compliance, and the acceptability of the breastfeeding self-efficacy intervention. Other outcomes assessed were breastfeeding self-efficacy, duration, and exclusivity.


RESULTS
Findings suggest that the intervention was feasible; there was a high degree of protocol compliance, and the majority of mothers reported that the intervention was beneficial. Mothers in the intervention group had higher rates of breastfeeding self-efficacy, duration, and exclusivity at 4 and 8 weeks postpartum. However, the differences between groups were not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The pilot RCT provided valuable information in examining the feasibility of the trial design and intervention.
School of Nursing, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. kmcqueen@lakeheadu.ca
Karen A
KA
McQueen
Cindy-Lee
CL
Dennis
Robyn
R
Stremler
Cameron D
CD
Norman
D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009864:Ontario; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires