Boosting Mom Confidence: A New Plan for Baby Feeding in Zahedan

Pregnant mothers in Zahedan often stop breastfeeding sooner than health experts hope. The main reasons are a lack of confidence, not enough knowledge, and social pressures that make the task feel hard. Researchers thought an educational program built on a well‑known idea called the Theory of Planned Behavior could help. This theory says that what people do depends on their thoughts, feelings and the rules they think others expect of them. The study gave a group of expectant mothers lessons that explained why breastfeeding is good, how to solve common problems and what support they could ask for. Other women received the usual information that is normally given in clinics.After a few weeks, both groups were checked again to see how many had started or continued exclusive breastfeeding and how sure they felt about their ability to do it. Results showed the educated group was more likely to keep breastfeeding and felt stronger in handling challenges. Their confidence scores rose noticeably, suggesting the program changed their mindset and made them feel capable. The findings imply that teaching moms with a clear plan—covering knowledge, attitudes and social support—can raise breastfeeding rates. Health centers in the region could adopt this approach to help more babies get the nutrition they need.