Determination of mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy and mindful breastfeeding levels and their relationship

The literature suggests that a mindfulness breastfeeding can help mothers cope with postpartum difficulties, appreciate the uniqueness of the moment, strengthen the bond between mother and baby, and provide psychological relief. This study aimed to examine mothers' mindfulness breastfeeding and breastfeeding self-efficacy and to reveal the relationship between these two factors. A descriptive-correlational design was conducted at the mother-baby adaptation clinic of the neonatal intensive care unit of a baby-friendly maternity hospital in Ankara, Turkiye. The sample consisted of 91 mothers who met the sample criteria. For data collection, the Personal Information Form, the Mindfulness Breastfeeding Scale, and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale were used. The median score of the Mindfulness Breastfeeding Scale for the mothers was found to be 43.00, and the median score of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale was found to be 59.00. A statistically significant difference was found between the duration of breastfeeding, economic level, the mother's assessment of her breastfeeding success, and the total scores on the Mindfulness Breastfeeding Scale and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale. This study followed the STROBE guidelines. It could be said that the mothers had a good level of mindfulness breastfeeding and breastfeeding self-efficacy. Additionally, as mindfulness breastfeeding increased, breastfeeding self-efficacy also increased. Based on the findings, knowledge and practices that enhance mindfulness breastfeeding and self-efficacy should be incorporated into training programs beginning from the pregnancy process.