BRIDGING THE GAP WITH EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT TO IMPROVE BREASTFEEDING OUTCOMES FOR PRIMIGRAVIDA POST-CESAREAN WOMEN

Abstract

Breastfeeding is essential for maternal and infant health, yet primigravida mothers recovering from cesarean sections often face challenges initiating and sustaining it. This quasi-experimental study evaluates the impact of an educational intervention on breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among post-cesarean primigravida women at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Using purposive sampling, 80 participants were recruited while 75 completing the study. The intervention included targeted educational sessions, printed materials, and discussions led by healthcare professionals. Pre- and post-intervention  assessments conducted using structured questionnaires and followed up over six months, revealed significant improvements. Breastfeeding knowledge increased from 20% to 82.7%, positive attitudes rose from 13.3% to 80%, and breastfeeding practices, including early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding for six months, improved from 33.3% to 80%. Statistical analysis using paired t-tests and chi-square tests confirmed these improvements as statistically significant (p < 0.05). The findings highlight the effectiveness of structured breastfeeding education in enhancing knowledge, fostering positive attitudes, and improving breastfeeding practices among post-cesarean mothers a group traditionally facing lower breastfeeding success rates. This study underscores the need to  integrate breastfeeding education into postpartum care to support mothers in overcoming post-surgical barriers. Future research should explore long-term adherence and the role of continuous support mechanisms in sustaining these positive outcomes.