The relationship of birth memory and recall with breastfeeding success in the EARLY postpartum period

Breastfeeding success in the early postpartum period is affected by many factors. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between birth memory and recall and breastfeeding success in women in the early postpartum period. It can be expected that birth memory affects women's future behavior and emotional well-being, therefore it can also affect the processes in the postpartum period. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between birth memory and recall with breastfeeding success in women in the early postpartum period with COVİD- 19. The study, which was carried out as a descriptive and correlational research, was completed with the participation of 295 mother who met the inclusion criteria. The mothers average 27,41±6,18 years old, married for 5,24±4,69 years and married at 22,17±3,74 years. The total score from the LATCH breastfeeding diagnostic and evaulation scale was 8,99±1,23 and the total score from the Birth memory and recall questionnaire was between 98-146, with an average of 126,61±6,65. In the collection of the study data; Introductory information form, Birth Memory and Recall Questionnaire and LATCH Breastfeeding Diagnostic Scale were employed. The data were collected by the researcher using face-to-face interview between 8 November 2021 and 20 February 2022. In the analysis of the data, number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t test, Kruskal Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U Test, Pearson Correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were used. According to the results of the research, the average score of the mothers in the early postpartum period from the LATCH breastfeeding assessment tool and the birth memories and recall questionnaire was found to be high. There is a low, positive relationship between breastfeeding success and birth memory and recall. Negative birth memory may affect the breastfeeding process in the postpartum period. For this reason, every woman should be given special intrapartum care and their emotional health should be supported in the postpartum period in order to have a positive birth memory to experience positive emotions when they remember the birth. Keywords: Birth memories and recall, Breastfeeding success, LATCH.