Development of a breastfeeding co-parenting intervention program for couples with primiparas: a program development process study

Abstract

Background

The exclusive breastfeeding rates is low in some countries. Low breastfeeding rates results in higher healthcare expenses and adverse health outcomes for individuals and society. Co-parenting is effective in promoting breastfeeding as it involves shared responsibility and collaboration between parents in raising children. However, the current breastfeeding co-parenting intervention programs exhibits significant variations in components, timing, and duration across studies. An evidence-based breastfeeding co-parenting intervention program is essential for enhancing breastfeeding-related outcomes.

Objective

To develop an evidence-based breastfeeding co-parenting intervention program for healthcare providers to guide parents with primiparas on breastfeeding.

Method

To form an initial version of the intervention program, a systematic literature review was conducted to consolidate information on current intervention programs. Two rounds of Delphi method were followed to gather expert comments for the program modification to establish the formal version.

Results

Fourteen articles published between 1995 and 2022 were screened. Details of these researches, including starting and ending time, duration and specific contents, were integrated to developed the initial program. Then, six experts completed the two rounds consultation with a positive coefficient of 85.71%, coefficient judgment basis of 0.93, familiarity coefficient of 0.87, authority coefficient of 0.90 and the Kendall’s W of 0.62. Finally, an evidence-based breastfeeding co-parenting intervention program was constructed in this study, consisting of breastfeeding co-parenting courses, individual counselling and a father’s support group.

Conclusion

This research developed a breastfeeding co-parenting intervention program for healthcare providers to guide primiparous parents to improve breastfeeding rates. Through a systematic literature review and Delphi method with good reliability, the program integrates breastfeeding courses, individual counseling, and a father’s support group. Future research will focus on evaluating its impact and scalability to benefit maternal and infant health globally.

Trial registration

ChiCTR.org.cn (ChiCTR2300069648). Registration date: 2023-03-22.