The relationship between perceived spousal support and breastfeeding self-efficacy among women in the early postpartum period

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between the spousal support perceived by women in the early postpartum period and their breastfeeding self-efficacy. The research was conducted between November and December 2025 at one health centre selected by simple randomisation from among 11 family health centres affiliated with the Health Directorate in a district in eastern Turkey. A total of 440 women who met the inclusion criteria were included in the research sample. Data collection utilised an ‘Information Form’, the ‘Perceived Spousal Support Among Women in Early Postpartum Period Scale’, and the ‘Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale’. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage) were applied in the analysis of the data. An independent samples t-test was used to compare two groups, while one-way analysis of variance was used for three or more groups. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between scale scores. In the total score of the ‘Spousal Support Perceived by Women in Early Postpartum Period’ scale, in the ‘Emotional Support’ “Social Support” and “Physical Support” sub-dimensions; the differences between groups in terms of educational status, employment status, spouse’s educational status, income status, family type, gravida and baby’s gender were statistically significant (p<.05). In the total score of the ‘Spousal Support Perceived by Women in Early Postpartum Period’ scale, the difference between groups in the ‘Social Support’ and ‘Physical Support’ sub-dimensions was statistically significant in the mode of delivery variable (p<.05). A highly significant positive correlation was found between the total score of the ‘Spousal Support Perceived by Women in the Early Postpartum Period’ scale and the ‘Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy’ scale [r = .757; p<.001]. Based on these findings, it can be stated that as women’s perceived spousal support during the postpartum period increases, their breastfeeding self-efficacy levels also increase. In light of these findings, spousal support should be increased during the postnatal period, and women should be encouraged to clearly express their emotional and practical support needs. Healthcare professionals should provide individual counselling, taking socio-demographic characteristics into account, and assist women in strengthening their psychosocial support resources. This approach will significantly contribute to increasing breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding success.