The Influence of Web-Based Lactation Psychoeducation on Mothers' Attitudes Toward Breastfeeding

Abstract

A mother’s attitude is a key factor in the success of breastfeeding. Web-based lactation psychoeducation offers a flexible and easily accessible educational alternative during the postpartum period. This study aimed to analyze changes in mothers' attitudes toward breastfeeding following their participation in a web-based lactation psychoeducation program. A quantitative, quasi-experimental, one-group pretest–posttest design was employed. The study was conducted over three months within the working area of ​​a community health center (Puskesmas) in Surabaya, involving 179 postpartum mothers selected via purposive sampling. The intervention, delivered over seven days, consisted of short, web-based video content covering the benefits of breastfeeding, breastfeeding techniques, management of breastfeeding challenges, family support, maternal nutrition, and common myths and facts about breastfeeding. Daily reminders were sent via WhatsApp. Mothers' attitudes were assessed before and after the intervention using the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS). Data were analyzed through univariate and bivariate methods, utilizing a paired t-test with a significance level of 5%. The majority of respondents were aged 20–35 (72.6%), multiparous (55.9%), had a secondary education (57.5%), and were homemakers (62.6%). The proportion of mothers with a positive attitude toward breastfeeding increased from 29.6% before the intervention to 88.3% afterward. The mean attitude score rose from 59.80 ± 7.50 to 70.20 ± 6.80, representing a mean difference of 10.40 points (p < 0.001). Web-based lactation psychoeducation effectively fostered a more positive attitude among mothers toward breastfeeding, suggesting its potential as a supportive educational approach for postpartum mothers. However, a design lacking a control group limits causal conclusions, so further research involving a comparison group is necessary.