Effects of Traditional and Innovative Safe Breastfeeding Pillows on Postpartum Maternal Breastfeeding Self‐Efficacy, Awareness, and Comfort: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative "Safe Breastfeeding Pillow" on postpartum maternal self-efficacy, awareness, and comfort during breastfeeding. METHODS: A participant- and outcome assessor-blinded, parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted. Postpartum mothers were randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention group used the innovative Safe Breastfeeding Pillow, which includes a main pillow and an additional pillow that can be wrapped around the baby to maintain a stable feeding posture and reduce the risk of accidents due to maternal fatigue during breastfeeding. The control group used a U-shaped breastfeeding pillow as usual. Outcome measures included the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF), Breastfeeding Awareness Scale (BAS), Body Part Discomfort Scale (BPDS), and B-R-E-A-S-T-Feed Observation Form. Statistical analyses included Chi-squared tests, independent t-tests, and linear regression. RESULTS: In total, 128 mothers (64 each in the intervention and control groups) were enrolled. No differences were found between the two groups in demographic characteristics. The BSES-SF did not significantly differ between the groups. The intervention group reported significantly higher scores for the BAS (3.58 ± 0.04 vs. 1.60 ± 0.15, p < 0.0001). In the BPDS, the intervention group showed significantly higher comfort levels in all body parts during breastfeeding compared to the control group (3.52 ± 0.13 vs. 1.70 ± 0.33, p < 0.0001). Both groups exhibited increased emotional bonding at the initial assessment and at discharge according to the B-R-E-A-S-T-Feed Observation Form. CONCLUSIONS: The innovative Safe Breastfeeding Pillow effectively improved maternal comfort, safety, and breastfeeding awareness compared to a traditional pillow. It provides essential support and warmth, enhancing the overall breastfeeding experience and maternal well-being. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nursing leaders should incorporate the "Safe Breastfeeding Pillow" into routine care as a key strategy to ensure feeding safety, enhance maternal comfort, and improve breastfeeding rates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov_identifier: NCT05687383.