How traumatic birth perception influences breastfeeding self-efficacy: A quantitative analysis

The authors conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study to examine the relationship between perceived traumatic birth and breastfeeding self-efficacy among 325 postpartum women with term, uncomplicated deliveries at a private hospital in Konya, Turkey. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the City Birth Trauma Scale (CityBiTS), and the Postpartum Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form. The mean age of participants was 28.7 years. The authors' findings indicated a moderate negative association between perceived traumatic birth and breastfeeding self-efficacy (r = -0.459, p < .001). Higher levels of perceived traumatic birth were more commonly reported among women who experienced routine obstetric interventions. The authors' regression analysis showed that increased trauma scores were linked to lower breastfeeding self-efficacy. Our results suggest that minimizing unnecessary obstetric interventions and adopting trauma-informed, respectful maternity care practices may enhance maternal well-being and breastfeeding outcomes.