Factors Associated With Breastfeeding Success: Postpartum Depressive Symptoms, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy, and...

Breastfeeding is more than nourishment; it strengthens the physiological and psychosocial bond between mother and infant.

We examined the relationships among postpartum depressive symptoms, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and LATCH-assessed breastfeeding technique, which are known to influence breastfeeding outcomes but have generally been evaluated separately, and we also assessed relevant sociodemographic and obstetric factors.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at a University Hospital. Data were collected using a structured sociodemographic/obstetric form, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF), and observation of a breastfeeding session with the LATCH tool. Analyses included descriptive statistics, group comparisons, correlation analyses, and multivariable linear regression.

In our study, mothers' mean (SD) scores were EPDS 9.0 (5.43), LATCH 10.0 (1.06), and BSES-SF 62.0 (7.05). EPDS correlated negatively with BSES-SF, not with LATCH, whereas LATCH correlated positively with BSES-SF. In adjusted models, higher maternal age and better economic status were associated with lower EPDS scores; lack of breastfeeding training and a partner not employed predicted lower LATCH scores; and lower BSES-SF scores were associated with no prior breastfeeding experience, not being employed, lack of training, and maternal smoking.

Breastfeeding success was associated with the interplay of a mother's psychological health, technical performance at the breast, and breastfeeding self-efficacy. Perinatal care practices should incorporate breastfeeding education, smoking cessation support, direct skin-to-skin contact with early breastfeeding initiation, and integrated mental health support, particularly for primiparous and socioeconomically disadvantaged women.