Maternal Mindfulness and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy: Exploring the Relationship
Beyza Nur Atak1, Seda Çetin Avcı2
1Department of Women's Health and Diseases Nursing, Institute of Health Sciences, İzmir Katip Çelebi University, Türkiye.
Summary
Mindful breastfeeding, characterized by present-moment awareness, enhances mothers' confidence in their breastfeeding abilities. This study found a positive link between maternal mindfulness and breastfeeding self-efficacy in Turkish mothers.
Area of Science:
- Maternal and Child Health
- Psychology
- Nursing Interventions
Background:
- Breastfeeding mindfulness, defined as present-moment awareness and emotional attunement during breastfeeding, is an emerging concept.
- Limited evidence exists on the relationship between maternal mindfulness and breastfeeding self-efficacy, especially in the Turkish context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between maternal mindfulness during breastfeeding and breastfeeding self-efficacy among Turkish mothers.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 268 breastfeeding mothers in Turkey.
- Data collected via face-to-face interviews using the Mindfulness in Breastfeeding Scale and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form.
- Nonparametric tests and correlation analyses were employed due to nonnormal data distribution.
Main Results:
- Mothers reported a mean score of 36.49 ± 4.56 on the Mindfulness in Breastfeeding Scale.
- The mean score for the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale was 53.19 ± 8.68.
- A significant positive correlation (r = 0.365, p < 0.001) was found between breastfeeding mindfulness and breastfeeding self-efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Higher maternal mindfulness during breastfeeding is significantly associated with increased breastfeeding self-efficacy.
- Mindfulness-based strategies integrated into prenatal and postpartum nursing care can improve maternal well-being and breastfeeding outcomes.
- Incorporating mindful breastfeeding into childbirth preparation and counseling is recommended to support mothers.
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