The Effect of Breastfeedıng Education Provided to Primiparous Parents on Prenatal and Paternal Bonding: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background

The emotional bond between parents and their fetus is critical for parenting during pregnancy and after birth. Parental knowledge and experiences can influence this bond. Online breastfeeding education may provide informational and psychological support that could contribute to parental bonding.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of online breastfeeding education for primiparous women and their partners on prenatal maternal bonding and paternal antenatal bonding.

Methods

This randomized controlled study was conducted online via Google Meet between January 1 and April 1, 2025. The sample included 101 primiparous pregnant women (experimental: 52; control: 49) and their partners. Participants were recruited using snowball sampling and completed the Personal Information Form, Prenatal Attachment Scale, and Paternal Antenatal Attachment Scale before and after the intervention.

Results

Post-intervention, prenatal attachment scores were higher in the experimental group than the control group (p<0.05), but within-group pre–post changes were not significant. Differences were observed in curiosity, excitement, and hope subdimensions (p<0.05). Fathers showed slight increases in antenatal attachment scores, with no significant changes within or between groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Online breastfeeding education did not significantly improve prenatal attachment within the intervention group or paternal antenatal bonding. Post-test maternal attachment was higher in the experimental group, but the overall effect on parent-fetus bonding was limited. Targeted, theory-based educational interventions are needed to strengthen prenatal bonding, especially for fathers. Future studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are recommended to evaluate sustained effects.

Keywords

Prenatal Bonding - Paternal Bonding - Pregnant Women - Midwifery - Breastfeeding

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 01. Oktober 2025

Angenommen nach Revision: 19. Januar 2026

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
09. Februar 2026

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