Impact of Educational Interventions on Lactating Mothers’ Breastfeeding Knowledge, Myths, and Nutritional Practices

Breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition and immune protection for infants, yet many mothers in India face challenges such as inadequate knowledge, cultural myths, and poor nutritional practices, resulting in suboptimal exclusive breastfeeding rates. This study evaluated the impact of pamphlet-based educational interventions on breastfeeding knowledge, myths, and nutritional practices among lactating mothers. A quasi-experimental pre–post design was employed among 100 lactating mothers from Mumbai and Pune, recruited using purposive sampling. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding breastfeeding and maternal nutrition. A culturally adapted pamphlet-based educational session was delivered offline at Anganwadi centers in Mumbai and online via video calls in Pune. Post-intervention, the same tool was administered. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, chi-square tests, and ANOVA. Mean knowledge scores increased significantly from 10.68 ± 2.14 to 13.14 ± 1.31 (p < 0.001); attitude scores improved from 15.58 ± 3.32 to 17.88 ± 1.65 (p < 0.001); and practice scores increased slightly from 7.45 ± 1.90 to 7.81 ± 1.85 (p = 0.176). Total KAP improved from 33.71 ± 6.16 to 38.83 ± 3.98 (p < 0.001). ANOVA revealed no significant parity association pre-intervention, but significant differences were observed post-intervention (p < 0.05), with primiparous mothers showing greater improvements. Pamphletbased interventions significantly enhanced knowledge and attitudes and corrected myths; although practice improvements were not statistically significant, positive trends were evident. Integrating such low-cost interventions into maternal health services may help bridge breastfeeding knowledge gaps and improve maternal nutrition.