Relationship between perceived social support, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and perception of insufficient milk in breastfeeding mothers of eastern Türkiye

Background: Breastfeeding is a complex process influenced by various factors, including social support, perceived milk insufficiency, and breastfeeding self-efficacy. This study aimed to explore the relationships between perceived social support, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and the perception of insufficient milk among breastfeeding mothers in eastern Türkiye in 2022. Methods: This correlational study was conducted at a state hospital in eastern Türkiye with 500 breastfeeding mothers of infants aged 0–6 months attending the pediatric outpatient clinic. The participants completed the Sociodemographic Data Form, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, and the Perceived Insufficient Milk Questionnaire. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between the scales, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean scores were 62.91 ± 16.16 for perceived social support, 52.49 ± 9.03 for breastfeeding self-efficacy, and 38.25 ± 10.04 for perceived insufficient milk. Significant positive correlations were found between perceived social support and breastfeeding self-efficacy (r = 0.188, p < 0.001), perceived social support and the perception of insufficient milk (r = 0.251, p < 0.001), and breastfeeding self-efficacy and the perception of insufficient milk (r = 0.251, p < 0.001). Conclusion: High levels of social support are associated with increased breastfeeding self-efficacy and improved perceptions of milk supply, thereby supporting both maternal and infant health. Healthcare professionals can enhance these outcomes by providing targeted training programs, motivational interviews, and social-cognitive support to breastfeeding mothers.