The Spousal Support and Breastfeeding Motivation in Primiparous Breastfeeding Mothers: A Correlational Study

The Spousal Support and Breastfeeding Motivation in Primiparous Breastfeeding Mothers: A Correlational Study ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between spousal support and breastfeeding motivations of primiparous breastfeeding mothers. Methods: This correlational study was conducted with 362 primiparous mothers who met the sample criteria and applied to the gynecology outpatient clinic of a training and research hospital in Izmir, located in the west of Turkey, for postpartum control. The research data collected using the Individual Introduction Form, Breastfeeding Support Scale for Couples and Breastfeeding Motivation Scale were evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis and simple linear regression analysis. Results: The Breastfeeding Support Scale for Couples total score of the primiparous mothers participating in the study was 9.05±2.68, and the Breastfeeding Motivation Scale total score was 74.89±9.10. A significant, weak, positive correlation was observed between spousal support and breastfeeding motivation (r=0.215, p=0.000), with spousal support explaining 5% of breastfeeding motivation (R2=0.046 p=0.000). Conclusion: Inadequate breastfeeding motivation causes primiparous mothers to experience breastfeeding failure, decrease in exclusive breastfeeding rates, and prematurely stop breastfeeding. In order to increase spousal support and breastfeeding success in breastfeeding primiparous mothers, breastfeeding programs should be designed in which comprehensive information about breastfeeding is made understandable by partners. Key words: breastfeeding, spousal support, motivation, primiparous Funding: This research received support from the TUBITAK 2209/A University Students Research Projects Support Program.