A randomized trial of two public health nurse follow-up programs after early obstetrical discharge: an examination of breastfeeding rates, maternal confidence and utilization and costs of health services.

Objectives: To determine whether the outcomes of routine home visiting by public health nurses (PHN) after early obstetrical discharge differ from those of a screening telephone call designed to identify mothers who need further intervention.

Methods: Primiparas delivering a singleton infant and eligible for postpartum follow-up were randomized to a home visit or screening telephone call. Data were collected by telephone from 733 participants located at two tertiary care centres in Ontario.