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April 12, 2026Open Access

Cradle with Care – Building Safer Futures for Newborns: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Enhance Maternal Confidence and Reduce Lactation-Related Readmissions

SCSomaratne CJK WKWeraduwage K RARaqeeb A.University of Kurdistan Hewler

Key Points

The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of an antenatal education program in improving maternal knowledge and reducing lactation-related readmissions.
Conducted a multidisciplinary education program targeting mothers ≥36 weeks’ gestation.
Utilized pre and post-session questionnaires to assess knowledge and confidence.
Compared monthly referral and readmission data before and after the intervention.
LMC referrals decreased by 54–70% pre-intervention to 35–49% post-intervention.
Lactation-related readmissions dropped from 10 per month to 3–4 per month (~60% reduction).
Significant improvement in maternal knowledge and confidence was observed.

Abstract

Abstract: Breastfeeding difficulties and low maternal confidence are major contributors to postnatal readmissions and high referrals to Lactation Management Centres (LMCs). These place avoidable strain on healthcare services. The structured, interactive antenatal education may enhance maternal preparedness, improve breastfeeding outcomes, and reduce postnatal healthcare burden. The project objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary, interactive antenatal education program in improving maternal knowledge, confidence, and newborn care outcomes, while reducing lactation-related referrals and readmissions. This quality improvement project was conducted at District General Hospital Nawalapitiya from April–July 2025, targeting mothers ≥36 weeks’ gestation. Exclusions included mothers <36 weeks, emergency admissions, and conditions requiring continuous monitoring. Interactive sessions were delivered by a multidisciplinary team, including medical officers, midwives, nursing officers from the LMC, and Quality Management Unit staff. Pre and post-session questionnaires assessed maternal knowledge and confidence, and monthly referral and readmission data were compared between pre- (Jan–Mar) and post-intervention (Apr–Jul) periods. LMC referrals decreased from 54–70% pre-intervention to 35–49% post-intervention. Lactation-related readmissions dropped from 10 per month pre-intervention to 3–4 per month post-intervention (~60% reduction). Maternal knowledge and confidence improved significantly, and staff reported smoother postnatal workflow and enhanced maternal engagement. Early, interactive, multidisciplinary antenatal education strengthens maternal confidence, improves breastfeeding outcomes, and reduces postnatal healthcare utilization. The Cradle with Care model provides a scalable framework for improving maternal-newborn care in hospital and community settings. Keywords: Breastfeeding, Antenatal Education, Quality Improvement, Maternal Confidence, Lactation Management, Postnatal Readmissions. Title: Cradle with Care – Building Safer Futures for Newborns: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Enhance Maternal Confidence and Reduce Lactation-Related Readmissions Author: Somaratne CJK, Weraduwage K, Raqeeb A, Pathiranage KPWC, Nidharshani KWC International Journal of Recent Research in Commerce Economics and Management (IJRRCEM) ISSN 2349-7807 Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2026 - June 2026 Page No: 1-7 Paper Publications Website: www.paperpublications.org Published Date: 09-April-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19484503 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.paperpublications.org/upload/book/Cradle%20with%20Care-Building%20Safer%20Futures-09042026-6.pdf

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