Breastfeeding Support Provided to Mothers Through WhatsApp Messaging Application

The research was planned as a randomized controlled experimental study in order to determine the effect of continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application on breastfeeding.

Research Hypotheses H0: Continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application has no effect on breastfeeding.

H1: Continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application increases the rate of exclusive breastfeeding.

H2: Continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application increases the breastfeeding duration of the mothers.

H3: Continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application reduces the rate of mothers giving their babies other foods than breast milk.

H4: Continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application reduces bottle feeding rates.

H5: Continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application reduces the rate of pacifier use.

H6: Continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application reduces the incidence of mothers' breastfeeding problems.

H7: Continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application affects mothers' breastfeeding attitude positively.

H8: Continuous breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp messaging application increases the motivation of breastfeeding mothers.

METHOD:

Place of the Research:

The data of the research will be collected in the postpartum service of Zeynep Kamil Women And Chıldren Dıseases Tranıng And Research Hospıtal in Istanbul. After then 6 months of follow-up will be continued trough WhatsApp application.

The Universe and the Sample of the Research:

The universe of the research; It will comprise primipa mothers and babies who are hospitalized in the postpartum ward of the specified dates, deliver vaginal or cesarean delivery, and meet the sample selection criteria.

The sample of the research was determined by statistic analysis by power analysis. Power analysis was performed by using G \* Power (v3.1.7) program to determine the number of samples. The power of the study is expressed as 1-β (olasılığı = type II error probability) and research should generally have 80% power. According to Cohen's effect size coefficients; Assuming that the evaluations to be made between the two independent groups will have a medium effect size (d = 0.5), considering the fact that there should be at least 64 people in the groups and there may be losses in the working process, each group decided to recruit 70 people. 140 people in total. it is given. Computerized randomization method will be used in the research.

In the collection of research data; Mother and Newborn Data Collection Form Postpartum Breastfeeding Evaluation and Follow-up Form Application Satisfaction Evaluation Form Breastfeeding Attitudes of The Evaluation Scale Primipara Breastfeeding Motivation Scale (PBMS) 5 data collection forms will be used.

Application of the research:

The researcher will briefly talk about the scope and content of the research by meeting with the mothers who meet the case selection criteria. Written consents will be obtained through the "Informed Volunteer Consent Form" asking mothers whether they want to participate in the study. Mothers who wish to participate in the study will be randomly determined by computer-assisted randomization method. Applications made after randomization will be carried out with the following steps; Experimental group; Information will be obtained from the mothers who agreed to participate in the study in line with the "Mother and Newborn Data Total Form", Mothers participating in the study will receive routine breastfeeding training at the hospital after birth, The breastfeeding attitude of the mother will be evaluated with the "Breastfeeding Attitude Scale", and the breastfeeding motivation of the mother will be evaluated with the "Breastfeeding Motivation Scale", In line with the needs of the mothers, breastfeeding support and motivation will be provided, In the first 1 month, basic standard information sharing (see "Basic Standard Information Sharing") will be made determined by the researcher. Later, information sharing will be made regarding the questions and problems of the mother, Individual breastfeeding support provided to mothers through WhatsApp will continue for 6 months, Mothers will be contacted once a week through WhatsApp and feedback will be received on the breastfeeding process, The questions of the mother regarding breastfeeding will be answered by text / voice message or video call, In the postpartum period (day 7, day 15, month 1, month 2, month 4 and month 6) mothers will be called by phone. Breastfeeding conditions will be evaluated with "Postpartum Breastfeeding Evaluation and Follow-up Form".

Breastfeeding attitudes of the mothers will be assessed with the Breastfeeding Attitudes of the Evaluation Scale" before breastfeeding education in hospital and through online survey at the 6th Month.

Breastfeeding motivations of the mothers will be assessed with the " Primipara Breastfeeding Motivation Scale " through online survey at the 6th Month.

The mothers' satisfaction with the continuous breastfeeding support provided through WhatsApp will be evaluated with the "Application Satisfaction Evaluation Form" through online survey.

Basic Standard Information Sharing; New coronavirus (COVID-19) and breastfeeding Suggestion on breastfeeding (motivational-enhancing videos that emphasize breastfeeding is instinctive) The importance of breast milk (positive effects on mother and baby will be explained) Sharing of health institutions emphasizing the importance of breastfeeding (WHO, UNICEF, Ministry of Health) Milk production of breasts (Frequent breastfeeding will be supported by videos) Baby holding the breast (Mothers will be emphasized that the baby's sucking ability instinctively and will be supported with videos) Skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding Reasons for breastfeeding only for the first 6 months Symptoms that show that the baby is sucking effectively Control Group; Information will be obtained from the mothers who agreed to participate in the study in line with the "Mother and Newborn Data Total Form", Mothers participating in the study will receive routine breastfeeding training at the hospital after birth, The breastfeeding attitude of the mother will be evaluated with the "Breastfeeding Attitude Scale", and the breastfeeding motivation of the mother will be evaluated with the "Breastfeeding Motivation Scale", In line with the needs of the mothers, breastfeeding support and motivation will be provided, In the postpartum period (day 7, day 15, month 1, month 2, month 4 and month 6) mothers will be called by phone. Breastfeeding conditions will be evaluated with "Postpartum Breastfeeding Evaluation and Follow-up Form".

Breastfeeding attitudes of the mothers will be assessed with the Breastfeeding Attitudes of the Evaluation Scale" before breastfeeding education in hospital and through online survey at the 6th Month.

Breastfeeding motivations of the mothers will be assessed with the " Primipara Breastfeeding Motivation Scale " through online survey at the 6th Month.

Analysis:

NCSS (Number Cruncher Statistical System) 2007 (Kaysville, Utah, USA) program will be used for statistical analysis of the research. Statistical significance will be accepted as p \<0.05.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

For the mother;

* 18 years and older
* Primipar,
* Having healthy pregnancy and uncomplicated birth,
* No health problems preventing breastfeeding (drug use, HIV, etc.),
* Not having any obstacle to communication (not knowing Turkish, mental retardation etc.),
* Being literate,
* Having a smart phone and internet connection,
* It was determined to be able to use WhatsApp application. For baby;
* Being healthy and term
* No health problems preventing breastfeeding (Esophageal atresia, cleft palate, cleft lip etc.)
* Its weight is between 2500-4000 gr.
* It was determined that the Apgar Score was above 7.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Mothers with multiple pregnancies,
* Infants lying in NICU due to health problems in the postpartum period will be excluded from the scope of the research.