The effect of an exercise program to enhance lactation on breastfeeding self-efficacy, breastfeeding success, and the amount of breast milk received by the infant: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine the impact of an exercise program designed to enhance lactation on breastfeeding self-efficacy, breastfeeding performance, and breast milk output. METHODS: This randomized controlled study was conducted in Konya, Turkey, and data were collected from 122 mothers in their 8th week postpartum between January and March 2025. The study sample comprised 61 mothers in the exercise group (EG) and 61 mothers in the control group (CG). The EG received a 6-week exercise program designed to increase breast milk. Mothers in the CG received standard breastfeeding counseling. RESULTS: = 0.013, Cohen's d ≈ 0.46). CONCLUSION: The findings of the study indicated that the exercise program designed to enhance lactation significantly improved breastfeeding self-efficacy, increased LATCH scores and perceived breast milk adequacy, and reduced infant feeding practices (such as formula use). CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier is NCT06723613.