World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

INFLUENCE OF FAMILY-CENTERED PRENATAL FOLLOW-UP ON DELIVERY OUTCOMES AND BREASTFEEDING SUCCESS IN SAUDI WOMEN

Shahad K. Shah*, Wejdan Ahmed Alsomali, Atheer Y. Althagafi, Ahmad Alkhoshi, Omar Alotaibi, Khalid Alanazi

ABSTRACT

Background: Family-centered prenatal care is increasingly recognized as a crucial approach for improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. Active family involvement during pregnancy may enhance maternal confidence, adherence to prenatal care, and positive postpartum behaviors, including breastfeeding. Objective: This study aimed to examine the influence of family-centered prenatal follow-up on delivery outcomes and breastfeeding success among Saudi women. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted with 300 Saudi women who had recently delivered. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, prenatal care indicators, delivery outcomes, and breastfeeding practices. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations between family involvement and maternal outcomes. Results: Women with family support during prenatal care had significantly lower rates of cesarean delivery (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.14–0.39, p < 0.001) and were nearly five times more likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding (OR = 4.89, 95% CI: 2.87–8.33, p < 0.001). Breastfeeding initiation was also significantly higher among mothers with family involvement (92.1% vs. 61.5%, p < 0.001). Infants of mothers with family support had significantly higher mean birth weights (3346.74 g vs. 3038.72 g, t = 7.72, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Family-centered prenatal follow-up significantly improves delivery outcomes and breastfeeding practices among Saudi women. Promoting family engagement during pregnancy can enhance maternal and neonatal health outcomes and should be integrated into prenatal care programs.

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