Examination of the Opinions of Women in Their Third Trimester of Pregnancy on Infant Sleep Patterns and Feeding Behaviors

Objectives: This study aims to examine the views of women in the third trimester of pregnancy regarding infants’ sleep patterns and feeding behaviors.Materials and Methods: The research's study group, designed with a phenomenological approach, includes 13 pregnant women in their third trimester who are visiting the NST unit of a university hospital for their first pregnancy. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview form and analyzedusing content analysis in the MAXQDA 2022 program, with validity and reliability ensured throughout the data analysis process.Results: The data were analyzed around two main themes: Perspectives on Infant Sleep Patterns and Perspectives on Infant Feeding Behaviors. Most pregnant women reported plans to have their infants sleep in the same room but in separate cribs or playpens, arrange the sleep environment, place their infants in a side-lying position, and support them in transitioning to independent sleep. They also mentioned starting preparations for their infants to sleep entirely in their own rooms after 6–7 months, and supporting them in returning to sleep after nighttime awakenings. Most participants believed their infants’ feeding behaviors would be influenced by their own and their close social environment’s eating habits, and that they would support self-feeding with hands or utensils once developmentally appropriate.Conclusion: The findings indicate that although pregnant women need informational support in some areas, they generally understand infants’ sleep and feeding patterns and tend to adapt to their babies’ natural rhythms. Prenatal education within primary preventive health services may help support this process.