The mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between postpartum depression and breastfeeding self-efficacy

Postpartum depression (PPD) may adversely affect breastfeeding self-efficacy, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study explored whether self-compassion mediates the relationship between PPD and breastfeeding self-efficacy among Turkish women. An expert model was developed based on validated scales: the Self-Compassion Scale, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, and the Postnatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form. In this cross-sectional study, 236 women (mean age: 28.71, SD = 6.16) were surveyed. Results showed that depression was negatively associated with self-compassion (β = -0.474, <i>p</i> < 0.001), and self-compassion was positively associated with breastfeeding self-efficacy (β = 0.785, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Mediation analysis indicated that self-compassion partially mediated the link between PPD and breastfeeding self-efficacy, with a significant indirect effect (-0.586, -0.209). Depression also had a direct negative effect on breastfeeding self-efficacy (β = -0.484, <i>p</i> < 0.001). These findings suggest that fostering self-compassion may enhance maternal mental health and breastfeeding outcomes.