Short father-focused breastfeeding education to boost partner support and breastfeeding
Effect of a Short Postpartum Father-Focused Breastfeeding Education on Paternal Support Behaviors and Breastfeeding Outcomes at 1, 3, and 6 Months: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This program will test whether a brief, 8–10 minute breastfeeding education given to fathers of healthy term newborns increases their supportive behaviors and helps more infants be exclusively breastfed.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07341256 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center, randomized controlled trial in Istanbul enrolls fathers or partners of healthy term newborns who are present 24–48 hours after birth and consent to participate. Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive either a brief, face-to-face 8–10 minute father-focused breastfeeding education based on international recommendations or routine postpartum care. Paternal support behavior is measured using the Turkish Partner Breastfeeding Influence Scale at baseline and one month, and infant feeding status is recorded at 1, 3, and 6 months postpartum. Outcomes compare paternal support scores and rates of exclusive, partial, or formula feeding between groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Fathers or partners aged 18 or older of healthy term (≥37 weeks) newborns who are present at the hospital within 24–48 hours postpartum, speak Turkish, and can provide written consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Fathers of preterm infants, newborns requiring NICU care, those with major congenital or severe neonatal conditions, non-Turkish speakers, or individuals unable to complete follow-up are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this brief father-focused education could increase paternal support and raise exclusive breastfeeding rates during the first six months.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research indicates partner support interventions can improve breastfeeding outcomes, but brief, father-only postpartum education like this has been studied only sparingly and with mixed results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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.
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- Sancaktepe Prof. Dr. Ilhan Varank Training and Research Hospital — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: timucin imdadoglu, MD — University of Health Sciences Turkey, Sancaktepe Prof. Dr. Ilhan Varank Training and Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: timucin imdadoglu, MD
- Email: dr.timucini@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 535 742 6892
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.