The relationship between mothers' perception of milk insufficiency and breastfeeding success

Breastfeeding is of importance in sustaining healthy populations. It is an essential practice that has many beneficial effects on the health of both mother and infant. The degree of mothers' knowledge about breastfeeding and their perception of the sufficiency of breast milk are important factors in the continuation of breastfeeding. At the same time, nurses' evaluation of mothers' postpartum breastfeeding levels and the support they offer mothers are important in achieving success in breastfeeding. This study is descriptive research designed to examine the relationship between the perceptions of mothers about breast milk insufficiency and the degree to which they are successful in breastfeeding. The study data were collected at Hacettepe University Hospital over the period January 1, 2022 - January 31, 2022. The study population consisted of 90 mothers who were inpatients in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department (Section 82) of Hacettepe University Hospital. The researcher collected the data with a descriptive information form, the LATCH breastfeeding charting system, and the Perceived Insufficient Milk Supply scale. The data on the LATCH scale were collected based on observations, while the data for the other scale and the information form were based on the responses of the mothers to the questions. The Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis H tests and Spearman's correlation analysis were employed in the analysis of the data. Of the mothers, 38.9% were in the 26-30 age group; 42.2% were university graduates with a Bacheolr's Degree. The mean score of the mothers on the LATCH breastfeeding charting system based on observations was 7.90 ± 1.66; their mean score on the perceived insufficient milk supply scale was 40.53 ± 5.91. A positive, moderate, and significant relationship was found between the LATCH scores and the perceived insufficient milk supply scores (p<0.001). It was seen that the LATCH scores increased as the perceived insufficient milk supply scores rose. Similarly, the LATCH scores decreased as the perceived insufficient milk supply scores dropped. In order to improve the commonly encountered perception of insufficient milk supply among mothers and to increase breastfeeding success, it is suggested from the standpoint of mother and child health that this subject is emphasized in prenatal and postpartum training programs on breastfeeding and breast milk. Keywords: Breastfeeding, LATCH, Breast milk, Perception of insufficient milk supply, Breastfeeding success