Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Coparenting Breastfeeding Support Intervention (COSI) on Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates at Twelve Weeks Postpartum
Year: 2013
Type: dissertation
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Breastfeeding is the infant feeding method recommended by leading health authorities. Breastfeeding rates in Canada are suboptimal. Fathers’ support for breastfeeding has been found to positively impact breastfeeding exclusivity and duration. Intervention studies have not been conducted to determine the best way to involve fathers and assist them in providing support to breastfeeding mothers. Therefore, a randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of a coparenting breastfeeding support intervention. Coparenting teaches parents to work in partnership towards meeting their jointly determined child health goals. The primary outcome was exclusive breastfeeding at 12 weeks postpartum. The secondary outcomes were breastfeeding duration, breastfeeding support, and coparenting at 6 and 12 weeks as well as paternal infant feeding attitude and breastfeeding self-efficacy at 6 weeks. First-time breastfeeding women (n=214) and the infants’ fathers were recruited on the postpartum unit. Parents were randomized to the usual care groups or the intervention group, which received standard postpartum care, plus a multifaceted support intervention. The intervention included an in-hospital discussion, take-home booklets, video, access to a secure study website, follow-up emails, and a telephone call. All components of the intervention contained extensive information on breastfeeding and coparenting. The results of this study indicated that more mothers in the intervention group were exclusively breastfeeding at 6 (n= 75, 72.1% compared to n=62, 60.8%) and 12 weeks (n=70, 67.3% compared to n=63, 60.0%) and practicing any breastfeeding at 6 weeks (n=102, 98.1% compared to n=94, 92.2%); however, the differences were not significant. There were significantly more mothers in the intervention groups practicing any breastfeeding at 12 weeks (n= 100, 96.2% compared to n= 92, 87.6%, RR 1.10, 95% CI [1.01, 1.19]; x2=5.09, p=0.02). No significant differences were found between the groups in relation to breastfeeding support, the coparenting relationship or paternal infant feeding attitude. However, the intervention group had a significantly greater increase in paternal breastfeeding self-efficacy over the first 6 weeks postpartum (F=4.84, p=0.03). This trial appeared to be feasible in the postpartum period and provides preliminary evidence suggesting this intervention may increase breastfeeding outcomes; however, more research is warranted.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Jennifer Marie Abbass Dick
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2744290168