Nurse-Led Telemedicine Versus In-Person Lactation Support for Breastfeeding Initiation of Low-Birth-Weight Infants

Primary outcomes

1. Breastfeeding effectiveness and initiation success.

   Time frame: after 6 months

   Breastfeeding effectiveness assessment wil be done by using LATCH Scoring System that incldued 5 items; Each category is scored from 0 to 2, with a maximum possible score of 10. A higher score indicates better breastfeeding effectiveness, while lower scores suggest areas needing improvement. The LATCH tool helps healthcare providers to identify and support mothers who may face challenges with breastfeeding.

2. Maternal satisfaction levels with lactation support received

   Time frame: At 4 weeks postpartum

   Maternal satisfaction levels with lactation support received will be done using Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale (MBFES). It measures maternal attitudes, perceptions, and feelings about breastfeeding over time, making it valuable for evaluating the overall breastfeeding experience, especially in terms of emotional and practical aspects. The MBFES is typically divided into three main subscales:1. Infant Satisfaction/Growth, 2. Maternal Enjoyment/Role Attainment, and 3. Lifestyle and Physical Impact.

   Mothers respond to statements on a Likert scale, typically from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree." The total score reflects the mother's overall breastfeeding experience, with higher scores indicating a more positive experience. Lower scores may point to areas where mothers might need support or guidance, such as managing discomfort or time constraints.

3. Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy

   Time frame: at baseline (after delivery) and at 4 week postpartum

   The Breastfeeding Attrition Prediction Tool (BAPT) is a psychometric instrument developed to predict a mother's likelihood of discontinuing breastfeeding. The BAPT assesses various factors influencing breastfeeding behavior and attitudes, which can predict the attrition risk.The tool is composed of four main subscales:1. Positive Breastfeeding Sentiment,2. Negative Breastfeeding Sentiment, 3. Social and Professional Support , and 4. Perceived Barriers:

   Responses are typically recorded on a Likert scale ranging from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree." A higher score on the "Positive Breastfeeding Sentiment" subscale indicates a stronger commitment to breastfeeding, while higher scores on the other subscales (negative sentiment, barriers) may predict higher attrition risk. The overall score gives healthcare providers insight into wheth

4. Exclusive Breastfeeding Duration

   Time frame: up to 6 months postpartum

   Duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding will be followed up by Weekly phone calls to mothers up to 6 months postpartum to collect breastfeeding data.

5. Infant Growth Parameter - Weight

   Time frame: Up to 3 months postpartum

   "Infant weight will be measured in kilograms (Kg) using a baby scale at birth, 4 weeks, and 3 months postpartum. Trained nurses will perform the measurements using standardized equipment and techniques, following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines."

6. Infant Growth Parameter- Length

   Time frame: Up to 3 months postpartum

   Length will be measured in centimeters (cm) using a measurement tape. These anthropometric measurements will be taken by trained nurses at birth, 4 weeks, and 3 months postpartum. Standardized equipment and techniques, adhering to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, will be employed."

7. Infant Growth Parameter- Head circumference

   Time frame: Up to 3 months postpartum

   Head circumference will be measured in centimeters (cm) using a measurement tape. These anthropometric measurements will be taken by trained nurses at birth, 4 weeks, and 3 months postpartum. Standardized equipment and techniques, adhering to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, will be employed."

8. Maternal Anxiety and Stress

   Time frame: at baseline (after delivery) and at 4 week postpartum

   State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) will be used to assss the level of maternal anxiety and stress. The STAI consists of 40 self-report questions, with 20 items each for state anxiety and trait anxiety. Respondents rate how they feel "right now" (state anxiety) or how they "generally" feel (trait anxiety), typically on a 4-point Likert scale.