Evaluating effects of a prenatal web-based breastfeeding education programme in Taiwan

Aims. The objectives of this study were to evaluate a web-based breastfeeding education programme provided to primigravida in the third trimester of pregnancy with the aim of deepening breastfeeding knowledge and enhancing skills. The study was conducted at a hospital in Taiwan. Background. Education is the cornerstone supporting the framework of lactation and breastfeeding. Web-based instruction is an efficient way to provide education. Design. A quasi-experimental design was used. Methods. The target population was women at 29-36 weeks gestation using the Internet on regular basis. The primigravida were assigned to either the control group (n = 60) or the experimental group (n = 60) according to time sequence. Results. Women who received web-based breastfeeding education had a higher mean breastfeeding knowledge score and more positive attitude about breastfeeding. In addition, generalized estimating equations (GEE) model was used to examine the breastfeeding rate at different time points. After adjusting for the time trend and infant birth weight, there was a significant effect in exclusive breastfeeding for the experimental group. On the other hand, the web-based breastfeeding education programme also had a significant effect on mixed feeding rate for the experimental group. Conclusion. Results suggest that web-based breastfeeding education may contribute to breastfeeding knowledge and attitude and improved breastfeeding rate. Relevance to clinical practice. Web-based breastfeeding education programme can achieve success in promoting breastfeeding and provide health professionals with an evidence-based intervention.