Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Breastfeeding self-efficacy was thought to be among the important factors that might affect breastfeeding success. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding success of mothers and the factors that affect the breastfeeding self-efficacy and success during the postnatal period.

METHODS

This descriptive study was conducted in a university hospital in İzmir. A total of 91 women who met the sample criteria, participated in the study between January 2017 and July 2017. A data-collection form regarding defining characteristics, a Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Short Form Scale and a measurement of breastfeeding success using the LATCH Assessment Tool were used to collect data.

RESULTS

The average age of the mothers is 29.4 years. It was identified that the breast-feeding self-efficacy mean score was 57.16±6.92, and the LATCH mean score was 6.18±1.58. Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy and success of the mothers was found to be affected by breastfeeding experience, breastfeeding counseling before or after the delivery, and exclusively breastfeeding status. As a result of the correlation analysis, a statistically significant and positively weak relation was determined between the breastfeeding self-efficacy scores and the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool scores of the mothers.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

As a result, it was seen that mother's self-efficacy levels and the breastfeeding successes were in adequate level. It is recommended that risky mothers should be identified in terms of breastfeeding by applying the breastfeeding self-efficacy scale and LATCH breast feeding assessment and evaluation scale in the postnatal period at certain intervals and support these mothers in the early period.