Father-Focused Breastfeeding Education and Breastfeeding Outcomes
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
Breastfeeding is recommended as the optimal feeding method for infants during the first six months of life. Support from fathers or partners plays an important role in initiating and maintaining breastfeeding. However, most breastfeeding education programs mainly focus on mothers, and structured education directed to fathers is limited. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a short, structured, father-focused breastfeeding education given shortly after birth on paternal support behaviors and breastfeeding outcomes. Fathers of healthy term newborns will be randomly assigned to receive either a brief breastfeeding support education or routine care. Paternal support behaviors will be assessed using a validated questionnaire, and infant feeding outcomes will be evaluated during follow-up. The results of this study may help improve breastfeeding support strategies by involving fathers more actively in the early postnatal period.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Fathers or partners aged 18 years or older. * Fathers or partners of healthy term newborns (≥37 weeks gestation). * Newborns without major congenital anomalies or chronic medical conditions. * Fathers or partners present during the early postnatal period. * Ability to understand and communicate in Turkish. * Provision of written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Fathers or partners of preterm infants (\<37 weeks gestation). * Newborns requiring neonatal intensive care unit admission. * Newborns with major congenital anomalies or severe medical conditions. * Fathers or partners unable to complete follow-up assessments. * Refusal or inability to provide informed consent.