The effect of telephone breastfeeding support given to mothers with premature babies on breastfeeding results: A randomized controlled study

Objective: The aim of this research is to examine the effect of "Telephone Breastfeeding Support" provided to mothers of late preterm infants discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on breastfeeding outcomes. Method: The study is a single-blind, pre-test, post-test, randomized parallel two-group, controlled, experimental research. The study was conducted with 62 mothers in Antalya Training and Research Hospital NICU between 17.8.2021-01.08.2022. Pre-tests were obtained from all premature infants participating in the study after completion of discharge routine procedures, and the breastfeeding guide was sent to the mothers' phones. In the study, intervention group (n:31) received education and support on breastfeeding through a 16-week WhatsApp and phone calls. Post-tests were conducted when the infants were six months old. The data of the study were collected using the Mother-Infant Demographic Information Form, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (short form), Infant Feeding Attitude Scale and Breastfeeding Duration Evaluation Form. Results: When the infants were six months old; it was observed that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of both intergroup and intragroup breastfeeding self-efficacy scale, and intergroup infant feeding attitude scale scores (p>0.05). In intragroup comparison, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of the intervention group in terms of infant feeding attitude scale (p<0.05). It was observed that there was a statistically significant relationship between the intervention group's initiation of formula feeding, introduction of complementary feeding, timing of complementary feeding, cessation of breastfeeding, and timing of cessation of breastfeeding (p<0.05). Conclusion: Although telephone breastfeeding support did not have a positive effect on mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy levels, it was found to improve infant feeding attitude levels and increase the continuation of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding support over the phone can be safely applied to mothers of late preterm infants. Keywords: preterm infant, human milk feeding, breastfeeding, social media, nurse