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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07773207

Midwife-Led Home-Based Postpartum Follow-up Program

This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether a structured, midwife-led home-based postpartum follow-up program could improve breastfeeding self-efficacy, postpartum sleep quality, and maternal attachment among postpartum women. A total of 98 women were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group or the control group. In addition to routine postpartum care, women in the intervention group received an individual education session before hospital discharge, a home visit during the second postpartum week, and telephone follow-up during the fourth postpartum week. Women in the control group received routine postpartum care. Breastfeeding self-efficacy, postpartum sleep quality, and maternal attachment were assessed at baseline and at six weeks postpartum.

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Key information

Conditions

Postpartum Period Behavior Breast Feeding Feeding Behavior

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Elazig Fethi Sekin City Hospital

Elazig, Turkey, Elâzığ, 23280, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

This study was designed as a parallel-group randomized controlled trial conducted among postpartum women at Elazig Fethi Sekin City Hospital in Türkiye. Participants were enrolled during the first 48 hours after birth and randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to an intervention group or a control group. Randomization was stratified according to mode of birth, and allocation concealment was maintained using sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes.

Women assigned to the intervention group received a structured, midwife-led postpartum follow-up program in addition to routine care. The program included an individual education session before hospital discharge, a home visit during the second postpartum week, and telephone follow-up during the fourth postpartum week. The pre-discharge session addressed breastfeeding techniques, positioning and attachment, management of common breastfeeding problems, postpartum self-care, sleep hygiene, maternal-infant interaction, and available sources of support. During the home visit, breastfeeding practices and postpartum needs were assessed, individualized counselling was provided, and identified problems were addressed. Telephone follow-up was used to reinforce previous education, assess ongoing concerns, and provide additional counselling when needed.

Women assigned to the control group received the routine postpartum care and discharge education provided by the hospital. They did not receive the structured home visit or telephone follow-up program during the study period.

The principal outcome was breastfeeding self-efficacy. Secondary outcomes included postpartum sleep quality and maternal attachment. Outcomes were assessed at baseline during the first 48 hours postpartum and again at six weeks postpartum using validated self-report instruments.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Aged 18 years or older Delivered a singleton live-born infant at term (37 weeks of gestation or later) Intended to breastfeed Able to communicate in Turkish Provided written informed consent Both the mother and infant were medically stable and eligible for discharge following routine postpartum care

Exclusion criteria

  • A maternal or infant medical condition contraindicating breastfeeding A severe maternal or infant complication requiring prolonged hospitalization or intensive care A diagnosed maternal psychiatric disorder that could interfere with participation Inability to participate in the scheduled follow-up procedures

Treatment and study plan

Midwife-Led Home-Based Postpartum Follow-up Program

Behavioral

The program included a 15-minute individual education session before hospital discharge, a home visit of approximately 30 minutes during the second postpartum week, and telephone follow-up during the fourth postpartum week. The program addressed breastfeeding technique, positioning and attachment, management of breastfeeding problems, postpartum self-care, sleep hygiene, maternal-infant interaction, and individualized problem-solving.

Routine Postpartum Care

Behavioral

Routine postpartum care and standard discharge education were provided according to the hospital's usual clinical practice.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Score

    Time frame: Baseline (within 48 hours postpartum) and six weeks postpartum

    Breastfeeding self-efficacy was assessed using the 33-item Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale. Each item is scored from 1 to 5, producing a total score ranging from 33 to 165. Higher scores indicate greater breastfeeding self-efficacy. Change from baseline to six weeks postpartum was evaluated.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale Score

    Time frame: Baseline (within 48 hours postpartum) and six weeks postpartum

    Postpartum sleep quality was assessed using the 14-item Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale. The total score ranges from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating poorer postpartum sleep quality. Change from baseline to six weeks postpartum was evaluated.

  2. Change in Maternal Attachment Inventory Score

    Time frame: Baseline (within 48 hours postpartum) and six weeks postpartum

    Maternal attachment was assessed using the 26-item Maternal Attachment Inventory. Each item is scored from 1 to 4, producing a total score ranging from 26 to 104. Higher scores indicate stronger maternal attachment. Change from baseline to six weeks postpartum was evaluated.

  3. Exclusive Breastfeeding Status

    Time frame: Six weeks postpartum

    Exclusive breastfeeding status was assessed based on infant feeding during the preceding 24 hours. Infants receiving only breast milk, with no other food or liquid except medicines, vitamins, or minerals, were classified as exclusively breastfed. The outcome was recorded as yes or no.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Serap Öner

Other

Collaborators

  • Firat University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit

Registry information

Official study title

Effectiveness of a Midwife-Led Home-Based Postpartum Follow-up Program on Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy, Sleep Quality, and Maternal Attachment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Aug 19, 2026
Registry last updated
Aug 19, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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