Story-based nursing support to reduce anxiety and boost breastfeeding confidence after cesarean
Psychological Effects and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy of a Structured Four-Step Narrative Nursing Intervention in Cesarean Mothers: A Randomized Controlled Mixed-Methods Study
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Xiamen University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nanchong, Sichuan) |
| Trial ID | NCT07272252 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Nanchong, Sichuan
- 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
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.