Background: Mothers’ empowerment in breast-feeding is a key motivational and psychological factor for continuous breast-feeding. Therefore, this study was designed to examine the effects of family-centered educational-supportive program on mothers’ empowerment in breastfeeding.
Materials and Methods: In this random clinical trial, pregnant women who met inclusion criteria were gradually selected and randomly put into a control and an intervention group. For the intervention group, two 2-hour educational breastfeeding sessions were held for each pregnant woman along with her key family members and breastfeeding training manual and software were given to them; then mothers and family members attended a breastfeeding counseling session one week after delivery. The control group received routine education. Mothers’ empowerment was assessed by a researcher-made questionnaire two weeks after delivery.
Results: Thirty-five mothers were in the intervention group and 35 were in the control group. The mean of the total score of breast-feeding empowerment and its seven areas in the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group. Moreover, exclusive breast-feeding was also significantly higher in the intervention group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Results showed that family- centered education during pregnancy and post-delivery counseling and support could promote mothers’ empowerment in breast-feeding and exclusive breast-feeding. It is therefore necessary for breast-feeding promotion to begin training of mothers and their families during pregnancy period while focusing on the importance of breast-feeding and to teach breast-feeding skills and family support after delivery and resolve related problems in collaboration with key family members.