The effect of breastfeeding self-efficacy on infant feeding attitude in pregnancy

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy on infant feeding attitude. The research is of descriptive, cross-sectional and relational type. Data were collected at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Polyclinic of a University Hospital between December 25, 2021 and January 10, 2023. "Personal Information Form", "Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale" and "The Infant Feeding Attitude Scale" were used to collect data The sample size was determined as 138 pregnant women based on multiple linear regression analysis with a priori stage using G-Power power analysis program. The study was completed with 280 pregnant women, 140 primiparous and 140 multiparous. Simple random sampling method was used in the study. Number, percentage, and mean were used for descriptive data. The relationship between prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy scale total score and sub-dimension mean score and infant feeding attitude scale mean score was evaluated with Pearson Correlation analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to examine the predictive status of prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy scale sub-dimensions on infant feeding attitude. As a result of the study, it was found that prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy is a predictor of infant feeding attitude in both primiparous and multiparous women. It has been seen that it is important to increase breastfeeding self-efficacy in the prenatal period in order to increase the positive attitude towards breastfeeding, and it is recommended to plan trainings to increase breastfeeding self-efficacy in the prenatal period.