Exercise Program to Increase Breast Milk

Effect of Exercise Program to Increase Breast Milk on Breastfeeding Self-efficacy, Breastfeeding Success and Breast Milk Quantity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

In this study, the effects of an exercise program aimed at increasing breast milk on breastfeeding self-efficacy, breastfeeding success, and breast milk quantity will be evaluated.

The research is a randomized controlled trial. The research will be conducted with 122 mothers who are in their 8th week postpartum and have healthy babies. Mothers in the exercise group will be given 1 hour (60 minutes) of exercise to increase breast milk three times a week for 6 weeks. The control group will be given routine breastfeeding education. Data will be collected using a sociodemographic form, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF), LATCH- Breastfeeding Charting system, IMDAT: a tool for assessing the level of maternal milk intake scale.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Those who are over 18 years old,
• Who gave birth at term pregnancy (38-42 weeks),
• Who have a healthy baby,
• Who are between 8 weeks postpartum.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those with diagnosed mental illness (e.g., antidepressants, antianxiety or antipsychotic medications),
• Those with chronic systemic illnesses,
• Those with physical illnesses that may prevent them from exercising,
• Those with any postpartum complications (hemorrhage, postpartum infection, mastitis, thromboembolic disease or postpartum psychiatric disorder).