The Effect of Digitalized Lactation Support on Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Among Breastfeeding Mothers

Abstract

Breastfeeding self-efficacy refers to a mother's confidence in her ability to breastfeed and is an important determinant of exclusive breastfeeding practice; low self-efficacy remains a major barrier to breastfeeding success. This study aimed to determine the effect of digital lactation support delivered through audiovisual media on breastfeeding self-efficacy among breastfeeding mothers in Bangun Rejo Village, Tanjung Morawa District, Deli Serdang Regency. A quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest–posttest approach was applied. A total of 34 breastfeeding mothers were selected using total sampling. Data were collected using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale–Short Form (BSES-SF) and analyzed through univariate analysis, the Shapiro–Wilk normality test, and a paired samples t-test at α = 0.05. The mean breastfeeding self-efficacy score increased from 47.41 ± 5.505 before the intervention to 51.24 ± 6.286 afterwards, with t = -3.696 and p = 0.001 (p < 0.05). It is concluded that digital lactation support through audiovisual media significantly improves breastfeeding self-efficacy. Health workers and village authorities are recommended to integrate digital educational media into postpartum mentoring programmes.