The effect of breastfeeding support provided by video call on postpartum anxiety, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and newborn outcomes: A randomized controlled study

Aim To examine the effects of breastfeeding support given by video call on anxiety, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and newborn outcomes. Methods We conducted a randomized controlled experimental trial with 72 women and their babies. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (video call) group (VCG: standard care + video call) and control group (CG: standard care). The primary outcomes of this study were the mean postpartum maternal anxiety level and the mean breastfeeding self-efficacy level. The secondary outcome was neonatal outcomes. This study followed the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) checklist. Results Women in VCG had lower anxiety levels than the CG at postpartum 2 weeks (mean difference [MD] 25.42, p = .000) and 1 month (MD 47.72, p = .000). The breastfeeding self-efficacy level of women in the VCG was higher than the CG at postpartum 2 weeks (MD 13.18, p = .007) and 1 month (MD 10.1, p = .001). The newborns in VCG had higher weight gain and daily breastfeeding frequency than the CG at the postpartum second week (MD 9.64, p = .001, MD 2.88, p = .000; respectively) and 1 month (MD 47.16, p = .000, MD 2.98, p = .000; respectively). There were lower rates of challenges of breastfeeding, hyperbilirubinemia, and feeding with formula in VCG than CG at the postpartum second week (p = .043, p = .043, p = .039; respectively). Conclusions Breastfeeding support via video calling has positive effects on maternal anxiety, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and newborn health. Postpartum caregivers may benefit from video calling for breastfeeding support.