Effect of Online Infant Care Education Based on Meleis's Transition Theory on Breastfeeding Success and Discharge Readiness: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

AIM: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of online infant care training given to pregnant women, based on Meleis's Transition Theory, on breastfeeding success and readiness for hospital discharge in the postpartum period.

BACKGROUND

In countries that implement early discharge policies after birth, theory-based care interventions and training women on infant care during pregnancy are very important.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial was conducted in a public hospital between December and May 2023. The study sample consisted of 102 (intervention group n = 52, control group n = 50) mothers and infants. Online infant care education based on Meleis's Transition Theory was given to the mothers in the intervention group in the last trimester of pregnancy.

RESULTS

The total breastfeeding success score was 8.88 ± 1.04 in the intervention group and 5.32 ± 1.18 in the control group; the Hospital Discharge Readiness Scale total score was 150.00 ± 19.75 in the intervention group and 133.54 ± 21.28 in the control group. There were significant differences between the intervention and control groups regarding mothers' breastfeeding success scores (β = 49.50, p < 0.001) and hospital discharge readiness scores (β = 756.00, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The findings demonstrate that the intervention significantly enhances breastfeeding success and hospital discharge readiness among mothers. The substantial improvements observed in the intervention group suggest that this approach is an effective and viable strategy for clinical practice. Integrating such structured support programmes into predischarge care is essential for healthcare professionals to optimize maternal and neonatal health outcomes.