Evaluation of breastfeeding self-efficacy among postnatal women

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy (maternal confidence) in association with demographic and clinical characteristics. Design: An observational longitudinal study. Methods: Data were collected with the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale – Short Form (BSES-SF) questionnaire from 102 breastfeeding women three days after delivery in three hospitals, and at the third and sixth weeks at home. Results: Parity was a key finding in the overall assessment of breastfeeding self-efficacy, with multiparous women demonstrating higher breastfeeding self-efficacy than primiparous women at all three time points (day three: p < 0.001; week three: p = 0.015; week six: p = 0.037). Strong correlations were found between all paired time points (p < 0.001). Analysis of individual questions revealed differences primarily related to parity, while other demographic and clinical characteristics showed only occasional significant differences. In terms of time, it was found that women need most support in the first three weeks after birth. Conclusion: The results of this study provide evidence-based guidance for healthcare professionals on how to offer effective, individualized support to women in initiating and continuing breastfeeding, both in clinical settings and at home, as well as on how to ensure accurate communication between both parties to help achieve this goal.