Effectiveness of the Lactation Education Program on Breastfeeding Levels and Self-Efficacy Among Postnatal Mothers at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Puducherry.

BACKGROUND: Breast milk is the ideal food for infants. Breastfeeding self-efficacy strongly influences the initiation, exclusivity, and duration of breastfeeding. Low confidence often leads to early cessation, whereas structured education can enhance maternal skills and success. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 100 postnatal mothers recruited through simple random sampling. Participants were assigned to experimental (n = 50) and control (n = 50) groups using a non-random allocation approach. Breastfeeding performance was assessed at three time points (immediately after delivery, on Day 4, and at the second week) using the Bristol Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, and breastfeeding self-efficacy was measured using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and chi-square tests. RESULTS: The majority of participants in both groups were aged 21-25 years, were predominantly homemakers, and were from middle-income households. The experimental group showed significantly higher breastfeeding scores immediately after delivery (5.64 ± 1.86), on the 4th day (7.20 ± 1.41), and at the 2nd week (7.28 ± 0.70) compared to the control group (2.86 ± 1.65, 4.18 ± 1.39, and 5.24 ± 2.06, respectively; p < 0.001). The mean breastfeeding self-efficacy score was also significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The Lactation Education Program effectively improved breastfeeding performance and self-efficacy among postnatal mothers. Incorporating structured lactation education into routine postnatal care enhanced maternal confidence and promoted exclusive breastfeeding.