Effet d'une intervention prénatale de soutien et d'information sur la durée et le vécu de l'allaitement maternel

Although the benefits of breastfeeding for maternal and infant health are widely known, French women are less likely to breastfeed than women in the majority of other European countries. The objective of the current study was to create a support group providing information and education for future mothers in the choice of feeding mode as well as specific help for breastfeeding. The information portion of the group was created using basic cognitive behavioral techniques: education, psychological inoculation, and presentation as well as refutation of irrational beliefs. Women who had not yet chosen a feeding mode were invited to participate during the 7th month of their pregnancies (intervention group). Three months after the birth of their child, these women were compared to women in a control group not having participated in the information/education groups. The results show that the women in the intervention group were more likely to have continued breastfeeding than those in the control group. In addition, maternal satisfaction with these groups was evaluated showing that women participating were very satisfied and retained a very positive impression of the experience on many levels.