Efficacy Of Web-based Breastfeeding Education

Breastfeeding is the safest and healthiest method of feeding an infant and positively affects the health of both the mother and the baby in the short and long term.

Breastfeeding self-efficacy refers to the mother's perceived ability and self-confidence to breastfeed her baby.

Studies have reported that web-based support programs increase the quality of life in individuals, are useful in symptom management, and are effective in raising awareness on the subjects intended to provide support and in gaining positive attitudes and behaviors.

Today, web-based support programs are created thanks to advances in science and technology; It has advantages such as being cheap, easily accessible, not causing any harm when done under control, providing flexibility in the participant's use of time, and accessing the training content whenever needed. Due to the pandemic process, the investigators are in and with the effect of developing technology, training is provided for the needs of individuals by using many alternative education methods such as web-based education and distance education in the field of health, as in many areas. Studies have reported that web-based support programs increase the quality of life in individuals, are useful in symptom management, and are effective in raising awareness on the subjects intended to provide support and in gaining positive attitudes and behaviors.

The study is planned to be carried out between 01.01.2023 and 31.07.2024 in the Family Health Centers affiliated with the Taşköprü District Health Directorate of Kastamonu. The study universe consists of 24-36 weeks pregnant women who come to the Family Health Centers of the Taşköprü District Health Directorate. The sample of the study consisted of 90 primiparous pregnant women, 45 of whom were in the control and 45 in the experimental group, who met the inclusion criteria.

Data collection tools will be applied to women at pregnancy, postpartum 7th day, PP in the 3rd month, and PP in the 6th month.

Appropriate methods will be used in the evaluation of the data. The significance level will be determined as α=0.05.

Breastfeeding is the safest and healthiest method of feeding an infant and positively affects the health of both the mother and the baby in the short and long term. Breast milk not only meets the nutritional needs of the newborn, but also protects it from many diseases, makes a great contribution to its mental and physical development, and most importantly, it provides a unique bond between mother and baby.

According to TDHS 2018 data, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is 41%, and this rate decreases with age. The rate of breastfeeding for 0-1-month-old children is 59%, 2-3-month-olds 45%, and 4-5-month-olds 14%.

One of the most important factors affecting breastfeeding is the mother's perception of self-efficacy. Breastfeeding self-efficacy refers to the mother's perceived ability and self-confidence to breastfeed her baby. Perception of breastfeeding self-efficacy; It determines whether the mother will breastfeed or not, how much effort she will put into it, her thoughts on breastfeeding, and her ability to cope with the difficulties she will face during the breastfeeding process emotionally.

Considering the existence of real or potential problems with breastfeeding, breastfeeding counseling is required for every expectant mother. This counseling will ensure that expectant mothers will be prepared for all kinds of breastfeeding problems that they may experience in the postpartum period. Studies have reported that web-based support programs increase the quality of life in individuals, are useful in symptom management, and are effective in raising awareness on the subjects intended to provide support and in gaining positive attitudes and behaviors.

For successful initiation, maintenance and termination of breastfeeding, mothers should be provided with a balanced diet during pregnancy, necessary breast care, physical and mental health, and training on breastfeeding.

Today, web-based support programs created thanks to advances in science and technology; It has advantages such as being cheap, easily accessible, not causing any harm when done under control, providing flexibility in the participant's use of time, and accessing the training content whenever needed. Due to the pandemic process the investigators are in and with the effect of developing technology, trainings are provided for the needs of individuals by using many alternative education methods such as web-based education and distance education in the field of health, as in many areas. Studies have reported that web-based support programs increase the quality of life in individuals, are useful in symptom management, and are effective in raising awareness on the subjects intended to provide support and in gaining positive attitudes and behaviors.

Studies on this subject are generally studies that briefly mention breastfeeding under the title of baby care and are not long enough. For this reason, the investigators aim to provide maximum benefit by giving this training to expectant mothers who have never given birth before, that is, who will breastfeed their baby for the first time, by addressing the issue of breastfeeding only.

The study is planned to be carried out between 01.01.2023 and 31.07.2024 in the Family Health Centers affiliated to the Taşköprü District Health Directorate of Kastamonu. The universe of the study consists of 24-36 weeks pregnant women who come to the Family Health Centers of the Taşköprü District Health Directorate. The sample of the study consisted of 90 primiparous pregnant women, 45 of whom were in the control and 45 in the experimental group, who met the inclusion criteria.

The data of the study will be applied to both groups at the same time. No training will be given to the control group, and web-based breastfeeding training consisting of 4 modules will be given to the experimental group during their pregnancy. As data collection tools; Pregnant data collection form, Postpartum information form, IOWA infant feeding attitude scale, IMDAT scale, Edinburgh depression scale, Breastfeeding motivation scale, Insufficient milk perception scale, Breastfeeding self-efficacy scale and System usability scale will be used. Data collection tools will be applied to women at pregnancy, postpartum 7th day, PP 3rd month and PP 6th month.

Appropriate methods will be used in the evaluation of the data. The significance level will be determined as α=0.05.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Volunteering to participate in the study.
2. Being primiparous at 24-36 weeks of pregnancy.
3. To be able to speak and speak Turkish.
4. To be at least a primary school graduate.
5. Having a computer or smartphone at home and being able to use it.
6. No risk in pregnancy.
7. The woman does not have any chronic disease.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. The emergence of a risky situation during pregnancy.
2. Premature birth of the woman participating in the study.
3. Carrying out a risky birth and hospitalization of the mother or baby due to it.
4. Termination of pregnancy prematurely for any reason (such as infant death)
5. The fact that the pregnant women in the experimental group did not complete the training modules before birth.
6. The fact that the women participating in the study did not respond to the directed scales and questionnaires.
7. The woman's desire to quit working without giving any reason.