The Effect of Breastfeeding Support on Exclusive Breastfeeding, Occurrence of Breast Problems and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy

Does Individualized Breastfeeding Support Make a Difference in Exclusive Breastfeeding, Breast Problem Occurrence, and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy in the First 6 Months: Randomized Controlled Study

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of individual breastfeeding support on the lactation process. The research is a randomized controlled experimental study. The sample of the study consisted of pregnant women who applied to the Obstetrics Polyclinic of a university hospital (intervention=51, control=51). In the study, individual breastfeeding education was given to the intervention group during the antenatal period, and a training booklet was given to the control group. In the postpartum period, home visits and phone follow-ups were carried out for both groups between the fifth day and the sixth month. The effect of breastfeeding counseling on the lactation process; The duration of exclusive breastfeeding, breast problems and breastfeeding success was evaluated with. The data of the study were collected using the Pregnant, Postpartum-Newborn Information Form, Breastfeeding Questionnaire, Breast Problems Diagnosis Form, LATCH Breastfeeding Diagnostic Tool and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale.

İnclusion Criteria:

• Open communication and collaboration
• Over 18 years of age
• Having a singleton pregnancy
• Never given birth,
• At least in the 35th week of gestation,
• Residing in Manisa Central districts (Yunusemre and Şehzadeler),
• There is no maternal obstacle that would affect breastfeeding,
• Having no vision or hearing problems,
• Those who are willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• At the beginning of the research;
• Under 18 years of age,
• Having a risky pregnancy,
• Having breastfeeding experience,
• Less than the 35th gestational week,
• Residing outside Manisa Central districts (Yunusemre and Şehzadeler),
• Any maternal disability that may affect breastfeeding,
• Pregnant women who did not want to participate in the study were excluded.

During the research process;

• Those who want to leave the job,
• If the baby has any obstacle that may affect breastfeeding (presence of anomaly, stay in intensive care, etc.),
• Cannot be reached within the first 5 days after birth,
• Mothers who changed their residence to live in another city/district other than Manisa Central districts (Yunusemre and Şehzadeler) were excluded from the study.