International Journal of Advance Nursing Practice

Background: Childbirth and breastfeeding are integral to the continuity of generations and the well-being of both mothers and infants. Despite its critical importance, many mothers lack sufficient knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding and its associated benefits. Aim of the Study: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention in enhancing this knowledge. Methodology: A pre-experimental design was employed in this study, conducted at Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai. Sixty postnatal mothers, aged 18 to 45 years, were selected using non-probability purposive sampling. Results: The study showed a significant improvement in knowledge regarding exclusive breastfeeding after the intervention. The mean knowledge score increased from 9.98 (pretest) to 19.87 (posttest), an increase of 39.52% (P ≤ 0.001). Before the intervention, 86.7% of participants had inadequate knowledge, while after the intervention, all participants achieved adequate knowledge. Conclusion: The study concluded that the structured teaching program significantly improved the knowledge of postnatal mothers about exclusive breastfeeding. The intervention was effective across all sociodemographic groups, underscoring the importance of educational programs in supporting optimal breastfeeding practices.