Smartphone-Based Coparenting Program Improves Breastfeeding Outcomes
Author Information
Author(s): Coristine Andrew, Abbass-Dick Jennifer, Kelishadi Roya, Huang Yi-Yan, Wang Rong, Huang Wei-Peng, Wu Tian, Wang Shi-Yun, R. Redding Sharon, Ouyang Yan-Qiong
Primary Institution: School of Nursing Wuhan University
Hypothesis
The study aimed to examine the effects of coparenting interventions on breastfeeding-related outcomes in couples during their first pregnancy.
Conclusion
The breastfeeding coparenting intervention effectively improved exclusive breastfeeding rates and duration, enhanced parental knowledge and competence, and reduced paternal depressive symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- The intervention group had significantly higher exclusive breastfeeding rates at 1 month (90% vs 65%) and 6 months (43.6% vs 22.5%).
- Exclusive breastfeeding duration was longer in the intervention group at both 1 month and 6 months post partum.
- Maternal breastfeeding knowledge and parenting sense of competence improved significantly in the intervention group.
- Paternal depressive symptoms were reduced in the intervention group at 6 months post partum.
- The intervention positively impacted infants' BMI at 42 days post partum.
Takeaway
A program that helps both parents work together can make it easier for them to breastfeed their baby and feel more confident as parents.
Methodology
This was a randomized, single-blinded controlled clinical trial with couples in late pregnancy assigned to either an intervention or control group.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the convenience sampling method and the blinding of participants to group assignments.
Limitations
The study had a short follow-up period of 6 months and a sample predominantly from urban areas, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Couples in their first pregnancy, median maternal age 30 years, median paternal age 32 years, predominantly urban residents.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P=.02
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.006-0.13
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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