THE EFFECT OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT PROGRAM ON ATTITUDES PERCEPTION OF COMPETENCE AND BREASTFEEDING INTENTIONS OF PREGNANT WOMEN WHO WORK OUTSIDE THE HOME

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the effects of an exclusive breastfeeding support program on attitudes, perceived self-efficacy, and intention to exclusively breastfeed among pregnant women who work outside the home. The sample consisted of 30 pregnant women with a gestational age of at least 32 weeks who were attending antenatal care and followed up postpartum at Lampang Hospital. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected before and after participation in the program using the following instruments: (1) a questionnaire on attitudes toward exclusive breastfeeding, (2) a perceived breastfeeding self-efficacy questionnaire, (3) a questionnaire on intention to exclusively breastfeed for six months, and (4) postpartum breastfeeding skills assessed using the LATCH score. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test.

The results revealed that participants' mean scores for attitudes, perceived self-efficacy, and intention to exclusively breastfeed for six months, as well as postpartum breastfeeding skills, significantly increased after completing the program (p < 0.01). Therefore, nurses and healthcare team members should focus on providing knowledge, enhancing skills, preparing expectant mothers, and offering continuous support, which are all crucial for promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, in accordance with the World Health Organization's recommendations.This is particularly important for pregnant women working outside the home, who often face time constraints, concerns about breastfeeding, and limited workplace support.