Story-based nursing support to reduce anxiety and boost breastfeeding confidence after cesarean
Official title: Psychological Effects and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy of a Structured Four-Step Narrative Nursing Intervention in Cesarean Mothers: A Randomized Controlled Mixed-Methods Study
Run by Xiamen University · NCT07272252 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program tests whether four short, nurse-led storytelling conversations can lower anxiety and boost breastfeeding confidence in mothers having planned or non-emergency cesarean sections.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Xiamen University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nanchong, Sichuan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 25, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 25, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07272252 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women aged 18–50 with a singleton pregnancy at ≥37 weeks scheduled for an elective or non-emergency cesarean, able to communicate in Mandarin, expected to stay ≥24 hours, and with stable maternal and neonatal conditions are eligible.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe psychiatric disorders, emergency cesarean sections that prevent baseline assessment, ICU/NICU admission, or communication/cognitive impairments are unlikely to benefit from this approach in the trial.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial will enroll 160 mothers having elective or non-emergency cesarean sections and randomly assign them 1:1 to usual care or usual care plus a four-step narrative nursing intervention. Trained nurses deliver four brief (10–20 minute) conversations: before surgery, 24–48 hours after surgery, before discharge, and a phone follow-up two weeks later to reinforce coping stories and review feeding. The main outcome is anxiety measured at 48 hours after surgery using the STAI scale, with additional measures of breastfeeding confidence and postpartum mood collected during follow-up. The intervention is designed as a low-cost, brief psychosocial approach integrated into routine ward care in a Chinese maternal hospital setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could reduce early postoperative anxiety and increase mothers' confidence in breastfeeding, potentially lowering risk of later postpartum mood problems.
How similar studies have gone: Brief, nurse-led psychosocial and counseling interventions have shown modest benefits for postpartum anxiety and breastfeeding self-efficacy in some studies, but the formal 4-step narrative nursing approach is relatively novel and not widely tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Women aged 18-50 years 2. Scheduled for elective or non-emergency cesarean section at ≥37 weeks 3. Able to communicate in Mandarin and provide written informed consent 4. Expected hospital stay ≥24 h 5. Singleton pregnancy with stable maternal and neonatal condition allowing routine mother-baby contact Exclusion Criteria: 1. Severe psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, active suicidal ideation) 2. Maternal or neonatal need for ICU/NICU admission 3. Emergency cesarean section preventing baseline assessment 4. Communication or cognitive impairment precluding interview
Where it's running
-
Yilong County Maternal and Child Health Hospital
Nanchong, Sichuan, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: X i Huang
- Email: 24520241154909@stu.xmu.edu.cn
- Phone: +86-156-8090-6987
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Essential Coaching Postpartum: a 6-week parent-focused text messaging program in Nova Scotia
This study will test if a 6-week series of supportive, tailored text messages helps first-time birthing and non-birthing parents in Nova Scotia feel more confident and less anxious after their baby is born.
-
Exploring the effects of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation on postpartum mental health
This study is testing if a new treatment using gentle electrical stimulation can help new moms avoid mood swings and depression after giving birth.
-
Restoring Emotional Balance With Ketones for Women After Birth
This study tests whether taking a ketone supplement plus group cognitive-behavioral counseling and guided exercise can help women within 12 months after birth who have postpartum depression feel better.
-
Web-based program to help new mothers with postpartum depression
A web-based treatment with therapist support is being tested to see if it helps women 1–12 months after giving birth who have postpartum depression.
-
Methyl-Donor Rich Diet in the Postpartum Period
Researchers will test whether a methyl-donor‑rich diet in the first weeks after birth helps reduce maternal depression and supports breastfeeding and infant growth.
-
Brexanolone therapy for moms with postpartum depression
This trial tests LPCN 1154A against placebo to see if it can help reduce depression symptoms in women with severe postpartum depression.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.