STUDY PROTOCOL An exploration of prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy: a scoping review protocol [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review] Liz McGovern 1,2 , Aisling Geraghty 1,2 , Fionnuala McAuliffe 2 , Sharleen O'Reilly 1,2 1 School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland 2 UCD Perinatal Research Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin 2, D02 YH21, Ireland First published: 22 Jul 2022, 2:91 https://doi.org/10.12688/openreseurope.14938.1 Latest published: 22 Jul 2022, 2:91 https://doi.org/10.12688/openreseurope.14938.1 v1 Abstract Objective: To synthesise the evidence on prenatal breastfeeding self- efficacy, including identifying concepts and theoretical frameworks that underpin its development, the evidence on its measurement, interventions used to improve it, and association with breastfeeding outcomes. Background: Breastfeeding self-efficacy is described as a woman’s self-belief and confidence in her perceived ability to breastfeed. It is a modifiable measure that is strongly associated with breastfeeding outcomes such as initiation, exclusivity, and duration. Interventions aimed at increasing self-efficacy are often in the postnatal period and have been shown to be effective at improving breastfeeding outcomes. The prenatal period appears to be underexplored in the literature and yet focusing on enhancing it may have the potential for further improvements in self-efficacy and on subsequent breastfeeding outcomes. A comprehensive knowledge synthesis on prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy is lacking. Methods: The search will include databases across health, psychology, sociology, and the grey literature on breastfeeding guidance. Once the PCC framework (Problem: breastfeeding, Concept: self-efficacy, Context: prenatal period) is met, sources of evidence from any contextual setting will be eligible for inclusion. Limits will not be applied on geographic location or year of publication. The PRISMA- ScR flow diagram of search and study selection will be used to report final figures. Two independent reviewers will perform title and abstract screening, full-text review, and data extraction. Data will be charted to provide a logical and descriptive summary of the results that align with the objectives. Conclusion: The results will provide an understanding of what has been done in the space and what gaps exist, informing Open Peer Review Approval Status AWAITING PEER REVIEW Any reports and responses or comments on the article can be found at the end of the article. Open Research Europe Page 1 of 29 Open Research Europe 2022, 2:91 Last updated: 25 JUL 2022