The relationship of breastfeeding self-efficacy with relationship satisfaction and family function in mothers during the first year postpartum

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the relationship of breastfeeding self-efficacy with relationship satisfaction and family function in mothers during the first year postpartum. The study was carried out between 01 November 2021 and 01 January 2022 in the paediatric outpatient clinic of the Medical Faculty Hospital of a province in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey. Responses from a total of 331 mothers who were within the first year postpartum were analyzed. The mothers' mean breastfeeding self-efficacy score was 55.3 (SD 9.1), and their effective breastfeeding status was found to be moderate. The following parameters were risk factors negatively affecting mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy at a rate of 27% (F = 11.603, p < 0.001): low spouse/partner relationship satisfaction, unhealthy communication, unhealthy attention, unhealthy behaviour control, and feeding the baby only formula. Breastfeeding self-efficacy of the mothers who have high relationship satisfaction, have healthy family functions, and only breastfeed their babies is positively affected.

KEYWORDS:

• Breastfeeding self-efficacy
• family function
• relationship satisfaction
• postpartum period

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank all the participants for being a part of this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Authors contributions

Concept: Seyhan Çankaya and Ayşenur Ataş

Design: Seyhan Çankaya and Ayşenur Ataş

Supervision: Seyhan Çankaya

Resources: Seyhan Çankaya and Ayşenur Ataş

Materials: Seyhan Çankaya and Ayşenur Ataş

Data Collection and/or Processing: Seyhan Çankaya and Ayşenur Ataş

Analysis and/or Interpretation: Seyhan Çankaya and Ayşenur Ataş

Literature Search: Seyhan Çankaya and Ayşenur Ataş

Writing Manuscript: Seyhan Çankaya and Ayşenur Ataş

Critical Review: Seyhan Çankaya and Ayşenur Ataş

Data Analysis and Drafting Article: Seyhan Çankaya and Ayşenur Ataş

Final Approval and the Completed Article: Seyhan Çankaya and Ayşenur Ataş

Funding sources

No specific grant was received from funding agencies in the public, commercial or non-profit sectors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Seyhan Çankaya

Seyhan Çankaya, Ph.D. is a Researcher at University of Selcuk University, Turkey. Her research interests focus on breastfeeding problems of mothers and newborn health and, including the impact of maternal mental health.

Ayşenur Ataş

Ayşenur Ataş, Ph.D. student is a Researcher at University of Selcuk University, Turkey. Her research interests focus on breastfeeding problems of mothers and newborn health.