Breastfeeding provides significant benefits for maternal and infant health; however, perceived insufficient milk supply is one of the most common factors associated with early breastfeeding discontinuation. Although the World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, breastfeeding continuation rates remain suboptimal in many countries, including Türkiye.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of breastfeeding education combined with a web portal and mobile application-supported breastfeeding counseling on perceived insufficient milk supply, breastfeeding intention, and breastfeeding adaptation among pregnant women.
Women at 37-39 weeks of gestation will be randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. Participants in the intervention group will receive individualized breastfeeding education during pregnancy, educational materials, postpartum breastfeeding support, and web portal- and mobile application-supported breastfeeding counseling. Participants in the control group will receive routine hospital care.
Data will be collected during pregnancy (baseline), immediately after birth, and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month postpartum follow-ups using validated scales assessing perceived insufficient milk supply, breastfeeding intention, and breastfeeding adaptation. Digital platform usage data, including the counseling topics accessed and the frequency of use, will also be evaluated in the intervention group.
This study is supported as a research project and aims to develop an accessible digital breastfeeding support model that may improve breastfeeding confidence, reduce perceived insufficient milk supply, and promote breastfeeding adaptation and continuation.
Pregnant women at 37-39 weeks of gestation.
Being 18 years of age or older.
Planning to give birth at the study hospital.
Planning to breastfeed their newborn.
Having a medical condition that contraindicates breastfeeding.
Having a pregnancy complication requiring intensive medical follow-up or early delivery.
Multiple pregnancy (e.g., twins or higher-order pregnancies).
Planned cesarean delivery due to medical indications that may interfere with the breastfeeding initiation process (if applicable according to your protocol).
Parallel
Intervention Group
BehavioralThe intervention consists of a structured breastfeeding education program combined with a web portal and mobile application-supported breastfeeding counseling. Pregnant women at 37-39 weeks of gestation will receive individualized face-to-face breastfeeding education, including evidence-based breastfeeding information, question-and-answer sessions, visual educational materials, and demonstration techniques using a newborn model. Participants will also receive a written booklet on breastfeeding education. Following childbirth, participants will receive support during the initiation of breastfeeding and continuous breastfeeding counseling through a web portal and mobile application during the 6-month postpartum follow-up period. The digital platform will provide breastfeeding-related educational resources, professional guidance, and support for breastfeeding-related concerns. Usage data, including accessed topics and frequency of platform engagement, will be recorded for evaluation.
Personal information form before intervention
Evaluation of women using personal information. This tool includes questions on women's sociodemographic characteristics
Perceived Insufficient Milk Supply
Participants' perceived milk supply will be assessed using the Perceived Insufficient Milk Supply Scale. The scale evaluates mothers' perceptions regarding breast milk adequacy and concerns about insufficient milk production. Changes in perceived insufficient milk supply between the intervention and control groups will be evaluated throughout the follow-up period.
Breastfeeding Intention
Breastfeeding intention will be assessed using the Infant Feeding Intention Scale. This measure assesses mothers' intentions regarding infant feeding practices and the planned duration of breastfeeding. Changes in breastfeeding intention between the intervention and control groups will be evaluated during the study period.
Breastfeeding Adaptation
Breastfeeding adaptation will be assessed using the Breastfeeding Adaptation Scale. This measure evaluates mothers' adaptation to the breastfeeding process, including breastfeeding-related experiences, confidence, and adjustment during the postpartum period. Changes in breastfeeding adaptation scores between the intervention and control groups will be evaluated throughout the follow-up period.
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