The effect of early skin contact in vaginal delivery on breastfeeding success and breastfeeding self efficiency

The research was carried out in a randomized controlled quasi-experimental manner to examine the effect of early skin contact on breastfeeding success and breastfeeding self efficacy in vaginal delivery. The population of the study consisted of 139 mothers (N:139) who had a vaginal delivery at Çankırı State Hospital, and the sample consisted of 64 mothers, 32 of whom were in the experimental group and 32 of which were in the control group (n:64), who met the conditions of participation in the research. Postpartum early skin contact was applied to the mothers in the experimental group, and hospital routines were applied to the mothers in the control group. Research data; was collected with General Information Form, LATCH Breastfeeding Diagnosis and Evaluation Scale and Breastfeeding Self Efficacy Scale Short Form forms. In the study, it was determined that the breastfeeding success and breastfeeding self efficacy level of the mothers who applied early skin contact were significantly higher than the control group (p<0.05). It has been determined that the mother's age, the number of living children, breastfeeding experience, the planned pregnancy status, and the baby's breastfeeding duration and the first breastfeeding time affect breastfeeding success and breastfeeding self efficacy level. It is recommended to increase the awareness of mothers and healthcare professionals about early skin contact and to include early skin contact practice in the routine practices of hospitals.