The relationship of mothers' breastfeeding success and self-efficiency with postpartum blues and depression

The aim of this study was to determine relationships of mothers' breastfeeding success and self-efficacy with postpartum blues and depression. The prospective study was conducted on 40 mothers who gave birth in the Menteşe/Muğla between October 01 and December 01, 2021. Data were collected online on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 14th and 28th days postpartum with the Introductory Information Form, Postpartum Information Form, The Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, Daily Experiences Questionnaire and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. Data were evaluated with descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analysis, Friedman ANOVA test, Cochran Q test and multiple logistic regression model and p<0.05 was considered significant. There were negative correlations between mothers' 7-14th days breastfeeding success and 14th day negative affectivity, 1-3rd days breastfeeding self-efficacy and 3rd and 14th days negative affectivity, 5-10th days breastfeeding self-efficacy and 14th day negative affectivity and 1- 28th days breastfeeding self-efficacy and 14-28th days postpartum depression risk, and a positive correlation between 5th day breastfeeding self-efficacy and 7th day positive affectivity (p<0.05). In this study, it was found that mothers breastfeed effectively and their breastfeeding self-efficacy increased over time, but they were prone to sadness and depression, there are relationships between breastfeeding success and self-efficacy in the first 2 weeks and sadness, and breastfeeding self-efficacy in the first 28 days and depression. It is recommended to provide supportive interventions in the first month postpartum to increase mothers' breastfeeding success, self-efficacy and positive affect, and to reduce the negative affect and risk of depression.