Work

The effect of breast massage combined with co-parenting interventions on breastfeeding in mother-infant separated mothers: a quasi-experimental study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Exclusive breastfeeding is the optimal source of infant nutrition. Mother-infant separation poses a critical barrier to establishing and sustaining lactation, increasing the risk of early breastfeeding cessation. While breast massage supports milk production, the role of partner involvement in this context remains underexplored as a strategy to improve both nutritional and psychosocial outcomes. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a co-parenting intervention on exclusive breastfeeding rates and related maternal outcomes among postpartum mothers separated from newborns, in which fathers were taught and performed structured breast massage. Methods A quasi-experimental study was carried out on 120 mother-infant separated dyads in a tertiary maternity hospital. Participants were assigned to an intervention group ( n = 60) and a control group ( n = 60) via consecutive sampling plus baseline characteristic matching (maternal age, mode of delivery, and newborn birth weight). The intervention group received father-performed integrated breast massage training and practice; the control group received routine care. The primary outcome was the exclusive breastfeeding rate, and the secondary outcomes included the scores of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES), breastfeeding knowledge, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). All indicators were assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the intervention. Results At both follow-ups, the intervention group demonstrated significantly higher exclusive breastfeeding rates compared to the control group (1-month, 64.9% vs. 22.4%, 3-months, 64.3% vs. 16.7%, both p < 0.05). The intervention group also showed significantly greater improvements in breastfeeding self-efficacy and knowledge scores, and a more significant reduction in EPDS scores over time (all p < 0.05). In contrast, the control group exhibited no significant changes in these secondary outcomes across the three time points. No significant inter-group difference was detected in perceived social support. Conclusion Integrating fathers into a structured breast massage protocol is an effective, sustainable nutritional support strategy. Structured breast massage significantly enhances exclusive breastfeeding rates, maternal confidence, and mental well-being among separated mothers. These findings advocate for the inclusion of partners in clinical lactation support programs to safeguard optimal infant nutrition and postpartum recovery.

Source: Frontiers in Nutrition

DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1770798