Breastfeeding

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.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if listening to a relaxation audiorecording during breastfeeding improves breastfeeding and infant outcomes and maternal well-being in a low-income country setting. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does listening to a relaxation audiorecording during breastfeeding improve infant growth? * Does listening to a relaxation audiorecording during breastfeeding reduce maternal stress and anxiety? Researchers will compare listening to an audiorecording on a digital recording device to receiving the digital recording device without an audiorecording to see if relaxation audiorecordings work to improve breastfeeding, infant growth and maternal well-being. Participants will: * Listen to an audiorecording twice daily while breastfeeding for 12 weeks * Have study visits at 1, 2, 4 and 12 weeks for checkups and tests * Let us know what they think of the audiorecording

Ankyloglossia is a congenital condition characterized by a restrictive lingual frenulum that may limit normal tongue mobility and be associated with breastfeeding difficulties. Reported problems include ineffective latch, maternal nipple pain and nipple trauma, mastitis, reduced milk transfer, poor infant weight gain, and early breastfeeding cessation. However, the available evidence regarding the impact of ankyloglossia on breastfeeding outcomes remains limited and controversial. The primary objective of this prospective cohort study is to evaluate the association between neonatal ankyloglossia, assessed using the TABBY assessment tool during the first 72 hours of life, and breastfeeding effectiveness measured using the LATCH scale during the same period. Mother-infant dyads will be recruited during the newborn's first 72 hours of life, during the hospital admission for childbirth, at the University Hospital of Guadalajara, Spain. Newborns will be classified according to the presence or absence of ankyloglossia using the TABBY assessment tool and will be followed for the first 6 months of life. Information will be collected during routine clinical follow-up and through telephone interviews. The secondary objectives are to evaluate the association between ankyloglossia and breastfeeding duration, exclusive breastfeeding duration, maternal pain during breastfeeding, and maternal breastfeeding satisfaction.

Preterm infants are at increased risk of vitamin A deficiency because they are born with low vitamin A stores and depend largely on breast milk to meet their nutritional needs. This study will evaluate whether daily maternal vitamin A supplementation increases vitamin A concentrations in the breast milk of mothers who deliver infants before 29 weeks of gestation. Participants will receive a commercially available oral multivitamin supplement containing 1,300 mcg retinol activity equivalents (RAE) of vitamin A daily for four months after delivery. Breast milk samples will be collected at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 4 months postpartum to measure vitamin A concentrations. The study will assess whether maternal supplementation is a feasible approach for increasing breast milk vitamin A concentrations in mothers of preterm infants.

Sexual dysfunction is very common in the postpartum period and is more common in people who breastfeed or pump. This research study was designed to help determine whether postpartum patients who use vaginal estrogen cream while breastfeeding have improved sexual function compared to postpartum patients who do not.

Lactation is the period when new mothers breastfeed their babies and milk production is at its highest level. During this period, breast milk, as a natural source of nutrition, provides the baby with the necessary nutrients for the first six months following birth. Globally, 44% of newborns are breastfed within the first hour, and 40% are exclusively breastfed for the first six months. The goal is to increase these rates to 70% for breastfeeding within the first hour and to over 50% for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. According to the 2018 Turkish Population and Health Survey (TNSA), the rate of breastfeeding within the first hour of newborns was determined to be 71%, and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months was 41%. Although breastfeeding is common in our country, breastfeeding rates are not at the level recommended by the World Health Organization. One of the factors that may cause a decrease in breastfeeding initiation and maintenance rates is inadequate support and management of breastfeeding . The older generation often plays an important role in supporting breastfeeding behavior. In traditional Turkish families, an experienced older generation is willing to have a say in breastfeeding behaviors such as initiating and maintaining breastfeeding. In the international literature, it is also reported that grandmothers guide mothers in matters such as taking care of the mother and baby, initiating and maintaining breastfeeding, giving the first milk to the baby, the mother's nutrition during the breastfeeding period, and the timing of the transition to complementary foods. Among the positive effects of grandmother support are; The benefits of grandmother support include strengthening mothers' decisions to start and continue breastfeeding by sharing information and experience about breastfeeding and increasing mothers' ability to continue breastfeeding. reported that grandmother support significantly affected mothers in the postpartum period. However, negative effects of grandmother support have also been reported. Some studies show that grandmothers may negatively affect breastfeeding duration because they recommend giving extra fluids to infants in the first months of life or encourage the early introduction of complementary foods. Studies show that grandmother support can affect mothers' breastfeeding behaviors in both positive and negative ways. However, there are no randomized controlled trials in the literature that examine the effect of guiding grandmother support with a scientifically structured educational program on the breastfeeding process, maternal motivation, and breastfeeding self-efficacy. In this context, the aim of this research is to determine how breastfeeding education given to grandmothers during the prenatal period affects mothers' motivation regarding the breastfeeding process, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and breastfeeding continuation.

Purpose: This is a randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the effects of Intermittent Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) in the early postpartum period to primiparous mothers on breastfeeding success and the perception of the maternal role. Methodology and Sample: Setting and Period: The study will be conducted at the Bucak State Hospital Delivery Unit between June 2025 and June 2026. Sample Size: Based on G\*Power analysis (alpha=0.05, power=80%, effect size d=0.548), a total of 108 mothers will be included, accounting for a 10% potential attrition rate. Participants will be assigned to groups using the sealed envelope method and randomization via www.random.org. Intervention: Experimental Group: Following routine care, the newborn will be placed in a "chest-to-chest" position on the mother's bare chest for intermittent Kangaroo Care. Intermittent KMC will be maintained for 24 hours, during which breastfeeding attempts will be supported. Control Group: Mothers and newborns will receive only the hospital's routine care (standard skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding support). Data Collection Tools: Personal Information Form, Semantic Differential Scale-Myself as a Mother (to measure maternal role perception), LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (to evaluate breastfeeding success).

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about the effect of breast-pumping frequency on breast milk supply/ volume in mothers of preterm infants. The main question it aims to answer is: \- What effect does pumping frequency have on breast milk supply. Researchers will compare breastmilk supply of mothers who pump every 2 hours to the supply of those who pump every 3 hours to see if there is a difference in the amount of breastmilk they produce. Participants will be assigned to either pump every 2 hours or every 3 hours and record how many milliliters of breastmilk they produce daily for the first 28 days of their baby's life.

This study is being conducted to determine the relationship between early childhood exposures, such as Adverse Childhood Experiences, Social Determinants of Health and nutrition/breastfeeding, among children with sickle cell disease, and behavioral interventions aimed to reshape psychological resilience and lifestyle factors towards positive health outcomes.

Although the female body and fetus are physiologically equipped to carry out the birthing process, the increasing medical interventions in the birthing process today are pushing women into the background during labor. This situation can indirectly affect the duration of labor by causing an increase in women's anxiety and perceived pain levels. In this regard, the application of non-pharmacological methods that support women in effectively managing pain, enabling their active participation in childbirth, shortening the duration of the stages of labor, and having low cost and side effects, stands out as an important care option for women. Today, the use of non-pharmacological methods by midwives who play an active role in childbirth and postpartum care is becoming increasingly common. Among the non-pharmacological approaches are distraction techniques; Practices such as deep breathing exercises, early skin-to-skin contact, listening to relaxing music, watching videos, virtual reality applications, communicating, or cognitive focus shifting contribute to a woman's perception of her birthing experience as more controllable and comfortable . This research will be conducted to evaluate the effect of music listening and stress ball application on placental separation time, pain during episiotomy repair, and breastfeeding success in primiparous pregnant women.

The goal of this observational study is to learn how a pregnant woman's physical fitness and emotional well-being can help predict the type of birth she will have (such as a natural vaginal birth versus a cesarean section or a birth requiring medical assistance). The study focuses on pregnant women in their third trimester (after 28 weeks of pregnancy). The main questions the study aims to answer are: * Can simple tests of physical strength and questions about emotions (like fear of childbirth) help health professionals predict if a birth might have complications or lack of progress? * Do a woman's physical activity and confidence levels during pregnancy affect her ability to successfully breastfeed her baby for up to 6 months? Participants will be asked to: * Perform two simple physical tests during a clinic visit: a hand-grip test (dynamometry test) and a test to see how many times they can stand up from a chair in 30 seconds (Chair Stand Test, CST). * Complete surveys about their daily physical activity (PPAQ-S), their feelings and fears regarding childbirth (WDEQ-A), and how confident they feel about handling the final stage of birth and the pushing phase (CBSEI-16). * Answer brief follow-up phone calls one month and six months after the birth to talk about how breastfeeding is going.

The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to examine the efficacy of a new intervention to prevent postpartum smoking relapse and related health consequences through breastfeeding promotion. After the pre-test, ex-smokers who are still abstinent from smoking will be randomized into either the breastfeeding intervention or the attention placebo control group. The outcomes are postpartum smoking relapse, breastfeeding practices, and maternal and child health.

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of breastfeeding education provided via podcast to mothers of preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit on the mothers' breastfeeding success, awareness, motivation, self-efficacy, and perception of insufficient milk supply. The research aims to help mothers overcome challenges in the breastfeeding process by increasing their knowledge levels and to strengthen their confidence in this process. Thus, the goal is to better meet the nutritional needs of preterm infants and to improve mothers' breastfeeding experiences in a positive direction.

The benefits of breastfeeding no longer need to be proven. Many studies have shown its positives effects on both infants and mothers. Exclusive breastfeeding is thus recommended within the first six months of life. Excessive screen use has been shown to be harmful in many aspects of daily life. The impact upon the relation between mother and newborn infant is poorly studied. The study aims to evaluate the impact of the use of smartphones on the success and duration of breastfeeding.

This randomized controlled trial evaluates whether acupressure education provided to mothers within the first 48 hours postpartum improves exclusive breastfeeding rates at 6 months compared with standard postpartum care alone. Mothers in the intervention group will receive structured education on self-administered acupressure at selected points and will be encouraged to continue home-based practice, while the control group will receive standard breastfeeding support. Participants will be followed for 12 months to assess breastfeeding continuation, breastfeeding self-efficacy, breastfeeding quality, and breastfeeding-related outcomes.

The World Health Organization and UNICEF define the protection and support of breastfeeding as one of the key determinants of maternal and newborn health. Nipple cracks are common in the postpartum period and cause breastfeeding problems. If not addressed early, they can lead to interrupted or complete cessation of breastfeeding. It is important to develop methods for effective, safe, and mother-friendly care of nipple cracks. Various care approaches, such as lanolin, natural products, and hydrogels, have been described in the literature. However, evidence for non-invasive agents that support wound healing at the cellular level is limited. Evidence for LED light application is limited, and there is no evidence regarding the effect of topical oxygen application on nipple cracks. This project is designed as a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of topical oxygen and LED light therapy applied to nipple cracks on wound healing, pain, and breastfeeding success. The study will be conducted at the Lactation Unit of Istanbul Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Ministry of Health, between March and December 2026. The sample size was calculated using the G\*Power program; with an effect size of 0.20, a significance level of 5%, and a power of 80%, a total of 51 mothers will be included in the study. Participants will be divided into three groups using the block randomization method: Topical Oxygen (n=17), LED Light Therapy (n=17), and Control (n=17). Standard breastfeeding counseling will be provided to all groups. In addition to the intervention groups, topical oxygen will be applied at a flow rate of 10 liters per minute for 20 minutes; LED light therapy will be applied at 630 nm red and 850 nm infrared wavelengths, at an energy dose of 15.3 J/cm², for 5 minutes. Interventions will be performed on days 0, 3, and 7. Data will be collected using a personal information form, wound size measurement, Nipple Trauma Score, Visual Analog Scale, and LATCH score. The validity and reliability of the Nipple Trauma Score in Turkish will be assessed within the scope of the project. To reduce measurement and analysis bias, support will be obtained from an independent observer and a statistician.

This single-center randomized controlled clinical trial will evaluate the effects of structured early postpartum mother-infant skin-to-skin contact, with or without maternal lavender aromatherapy, after elective cesarean section on maternal stress biomarkers and early breastfeeding outcomes. The study will enroll 150 term pregnant women scheduled for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia at Ataturk University Research Hospital. Participants will be randomized into three groups: routine postoperative care, structured skin-to-skin contact, and structured skin-to-skin contact combined with inhalational lavender aromatherapy. The primary outcome is the change in maternal salivary cortisol level from immediately after birth to 60 minutes postpartum. Secondary outcomes include maternal salivary IgA levels, state anxiety scores, postoperative pain and nausea, time to first analgesic requirement, early breastfeeding initiation and success, LATCH scores, neonatal axillary temperature, cumulative duration and continuity of skin-to-skin contact, maternal satisfaction, and the need for mother-infant separation within the first 2 hours postpartum.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about the effects of iodine-containing multiple micronutrient supplements provided to breastfeeding mothers who live in settings with mild iodine deficiency. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. What are the effects of iodine-containing multiple micronutrient supplements provided to breastfeeding mothers on infant development, as measured by electroencephalography/visual evoked potentials? 2. What are the effects of iodine-containing multiple micronutrient supplements on breast milk concentrations of iodine, and infant iodine and thyroid status? 3. How do iodine and iron interact with each other to affect thyroid function in the mother during lactation? Participants will be randomized to receive a daily multiple micronutrient tablet containing iodine (UNIMAPP) for 6 months postpartum, or routine postnatal care per Ethiopia Ministry of Health. Mothers will provide a breast milk sample and blood at 3 and 6 months postpartum. Infants will provide a urine sample and drop of blood, and have a neurodevelopmental assessment at 3 and 6 months. Researchers will compare the groups that received the iodine-containing micronutrient supplement with the group that received routine care and see if there were any benefits on infant development and iodine and thyroid status in the mother and baby.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a conditional social transfer works to improve rates of complementary breastfeeding. It will also learn about the impacts of social transfers on maternal and child health and development. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the social transfer increase complementary breastfeeding rates at 24-months postpartum? * Does the social transfer increase complementary breastfeeding duration? * Does the social transfer impact child health and development? * Does the social transfer impact maternal physical and mental health? Researchers will compare a conditional social transfer to a control group that only receives education about breastfeeding recommendations to see if a conditional social transfers works to increase complementary breastfeeding. Participants will: Receive a pamphlet explaining the current recommendations of breastfeeding Receive instructions that if they meet the recommendation to breastfeed until 24-months postpartum they receive a social transfer or receive no additional information Complete home visits at 12- and 24-months postpartum Complete detailed questionnaire

This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) focused on improving breastfeeding outcomes among primiparous mothers in the postpartum period. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months as the ideal nutritional source for newborns, the rate in Turkey (41% according to TDHS 2018) lags behind global targets (50-70%). Early cessation of breastfeeding is generally associated with mothers' inability to adapt to physical and psychological challenges. In particular, anxiety and stress experienced during the postpartum period lead to the development of a perceived insufficient milk supply, which negatively affects the acquisition of breastfeeding self-efficacy. In this context, this study investigates the potential of a supportive intervention facilitating stress management and relaxation on breastfeeding sustainability. Participants will be randomized into three groups: Intervention Group I (Online Breastfeeding Education + Breath-Based Yoga), Intervention Group II (Online Breastfeeding Education Only), and the Control Group (Routine Care). The interventions will be delivered remotely via Google Meet over a maximum period of seven weeks (3 weeks of breastfeeding education + 4 weeks of yoga practice). The primary objective of the study is to evaluate whether these structured interventions significantly improve maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy and reduce the perception of insufficient milk. Additionally, secondary outcomes will assess the impact on maternal anxiety levels. To ensure internal validity and isolate the intervention effect, mothers at high risk of postpartum depression (EPDS score \> 13) are excluded from the study. The Hypotheses of the Study Each hypothesis will be tested independently: H₀: The pre- and post-intervention measurement differences do not significantly differ between groups. H₁: The pre- and post-intervention measurement differences significantly differ between groups (p \< 0.05). If a significant difference is detected, H₀ will be rejected and H₁ will be accepted. Multiple comparisons will be evaluated using the Holm-Bonferroni correction to control the Type I error rate. * H1a: Online breastfeeding education provided to primiparous mothers positively affects their anxiety levels. * H1b: Online breastfeeding education provided to primiparous mothers positively affects their breastfeeding self-efficacy. * H1c: Online breastfeeding education provided to primiparous mothers positively affects their perceived insufficient milk supply. * H2a: Breath-based yoga-supported online breastfeeding education provided to primiparous mothers positively affects their anxiety levels. * H2b: Breath-based yoga-supported online breastfeeding education provided to primiparous mothers positively affects their breastfeeding self-efficacy. * H2c: Breath-based yoga-supported online breastfeeding education provided to primiparous mothers positively affects their perceived insufficient milk supply.

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training given to adolescent pregnant women and their partners on fear of childbirth, maternal and paternal bonding, and breastfeeding success. Adolescent pregnancy is associated with increased stress, fear of childbirth and parenting anxiety, which negatively affect mother-infant and father-infant bonding and breastfeeding outcomes. MBSR training is expected to reduce fear of childbirth, strengthen maternal and paternal bonding, and improve breastfeeding success in adolescent pregnant women and their partners compared to the control group receiving routine care.

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of a midwife-led digital follow-up program on postpartum depression, perceived social support, and breastfeeding self-efficacy in women who will undergo cesarean section. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group that will receive structured face-to-face education followed by a 4-week digital follow-up program, or a control group that will receive routine postpartum care. Data will be collected at baseline (postpartum day 1), at 1 week, and at 4 weeks postpartum using validated measurement tools. The study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of continuous, midwife-led digital support in improving maternal psychological well-being and breastfeeding outcomes in the early postpartum period.

The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a culturally-tailored mobile interactive education and support group intervention to supplement standard postpartum care activities in comparison to standard care alone on health-related behaviors and health outcomes in a randomized controlled trial among 2100 postpartum Indian women living in 3 geographically diverse Indian states to estimate the impact on maternal and neonatal health-related knowledge, health-related behaviors, and health outcomes. The investigators also seek to characterize mechanisms of impact including knowledge, social support, self-efficacy, and behavior change, and determine the cost-effectiveness.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about the effects of three different interventions-breastfeeding, using a stress ball, or wearing virtual reality (VR) goggles-on pain, anxiety, and stress during episiotomy repair (stitching) after childbirth. It also aims to examine how these methods affect a mother's comfort after the procedure. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does breastfeeding, using a stress ball, or using VR goggles lower the mother's pain and anxiety during the repair? Do these interventions reduce the mother's biological stress levels, measured by saliva cortisol tests? Do these methods lead to higher postpartum comfort levels for the mother in the first 24 hours after birth? Researcher will compare these three intervention groups to a "control group" (mothers receiving standard hospital care) to see which approach is most effective. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to one of four groups: Breastfeeding, VR Goggles, Stress Ball, or Standard Care. Use their assigned intervention throughout the entire episiotomy repair process. Provide saliva samples before and after the procedure to measure stress hormones (cortisol). Rate their pain and anxiety levels using clinical scales twice: once before the procedure begins and once immediately after it is finished. Complete a survey about their comfort levels between 6 and 24 hours after the delivery.

This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled parallel trial evaluates the effects of maternal 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) supplementation during breastfeeding. Thirty-six lactating mother-infant dyads will be randomized (1:1) to receive 5-MTHF or placebo for 6 weeks, stratified by infant sex and mode of delivery. Tolerability and adverse events will be monitored. Pre- and post-intervention assessments include breast milk one-carbon metabolites and oligosaccharides; maternal plasma one-carbon metabolites and metabolic health markers. Maternal mental health will be evaluated using the SCL-90-R questionnaire. A follow-up visit at 4 months will reassess infant anthropometry and microbiome outcomes.