Compassion-Based Breastfeeding Counseling and Its Effects on Self-Compassion, Mindful Breastfeeding, and Self-Efficacy

NCT07567755 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2025 - 1341
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 54
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of compassion-based breastfeeding counseling on self-compassion, mindful breastfeeding, and breastfeeding self-efficacy during the perinatal period. Pregnant women between 24-28 weeks of gestation who meet the eligibility criteria are enrolled. After obtaining informed consent, participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group using simple randomization. The intervention group receives a total of 6 face-to-face compassion-based breastfeeding counseling sessions between 30-37 weeks of gestation, with follow-up counseling continued until 6 weeks postpartum. The control group receives only routine antenatal care with no additional intervention. Outcome measures are assessed at three time points: pretest (24-28 weeks of gestation), posttest (36-38 weeks of gestation), and follow-up (6 weeks postpartum). Instruments used include the Self-Compassion Scale, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, and the Mindful Breastfeeding Scale. The study is conducted at Iğdır Dr. Nevruz Erez State Hospital, Türkiye.

Conditions

Breastfeeding; Self-Compassion; Perinatal Care

Keywords

Compassion-based counseling; Breastfeeding self-efficacy; Mindful breastfeeding; Self-compassion; Perinatal period; Randomized controlled trial; Antenatal education

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy

  Measured by the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (Turkish adaptation, Tokat Aluş et al., 2010). 14-item, 5-point Likert scale; scores range 14-70. Higher scores indicate greater self-efficacy.

  Baseline (24-28 weeks gestation), post-intervention (36-38 weeks gestation), and follow-up (6 weeks postpartum)

• Self-Compassion

  Measured by the Self-Compassion Scale (Turkish adaptation, Deniz et al., 2008). 24-item, 5-point Likert scale; scores range 24-120. Higher scores indicate greater self-compassion.

  Baseline (24-28 weeks gestation), post-intervention (36-38 weeks gestation), and follow-up (6 weeks postpartum)

• Mindful Breastfeeding

  Measured by the Mindful Breastfeeding Scale (Körükcü et al., 2021). 9-item, 5-point Likert scale; scores range 9-45. Higher scores indicate greater mindfulness during breastfeeding.

  Baseline (24-28 weeks gestation), post-intervention (36-38 weeks gestation), and follow-up (6 weeks postpartum)

Study Arms (2)

Intervention Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Receives 6 face-to-face compassion-based breastfeeding counseling sessions between 30-37 weeks of gestation, with follow-up counseling continued until 6 weeks postpartum.

Behavioral: Compassion-Based Breastfeeding Counseling

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Receives routine antenatal care only, with no additional intervention.

Interventions

Compassion-Based Breastfeeding Counseling BEHAVIORAL

A structured, compassion-based breastfeeding counseling program consisting of 6 face-to-face sessions delivered between 30-37 weeks of gestation. Each session integrates self-compassion practices (based on Neff's self-compassion model), mindfulness-based breastfeeding techniques, and evidence-based breastfeeding education. Sessions address emotional barriers to breastfeeding, strengthen breastfeeding self-efficacy, and promote mindful mother-infant interaction. Follow-up counseling is continued until 6 weeks postpartum.

Intervention Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Literate or above
• Primigravida
• Between 18-35 years of age
• Between 24-28 weeks of gestation
• Spontaneous conception
• Owns a smartphone

You may not qualify if:

• Diagnosed with any psychiatric disorder (self-reported)
• High-risk pregnancy (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, placenta previa, chronic disease, fetal anomaly, multiple pregnancy, Rh incompatibility, obesity)
• Previously attended any compassion or mindfulness-based training
• Communication barriers (inability to speak Turkish, hearing/speech impairment, or intellectual disability)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Gazi University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Gazi University Institute of Health Sciences, Ankara, Ankara 06000

Ankara, Ankara, 06000, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Breast Feeding

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Feeding Behavior; Behavior

Study Officials

• ŞENGÜL YAMAN SÖZBİR, PhD

  Gazi University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Model Details: Participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention group (compassion-based breastfeeding counseling) or the control group (routine antenatal care) using simple randomization.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 28, 2026
• First Posted: May 5, 2026
• Study Start: May 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: December 1, 2025
• Study Completion: December 1, 2025
• Last Updated: May 5, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)