The effect of mindfulness-based breastfeeding education on breastfeeding awareness, self-efficacy, and breastfeeding rate

ABSTRACT Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based breastfeeding education on mothers' breastfeeding awareness, breastfeeding self-efficacy levels, and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding. Material and Method: The study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial between February 2024 and April 2025 in four Family Health Centers (FHCs) located in the city center of Elâzığ. A total of 86 women who were in the first month postpartum and met the specified criteria were randomly assigned to two groups as the mindful breastfeeding group (n=43) and the control group (n=43). The mindful breastfeeding group received structured mindfulness-based breastfeeding education consisting of eight sessions for four weeks, while the control group received standard care. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Breastfeeding Awareness Scale, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, and a Breastfeeding Rate Questionnaire. Results: There was no significant difference in breastfeeding awareness and self-efficacy scores between the two groups at baseline (p > 0.05). In the second and third measurements after the intervention, it was determined that the mean scores of the Breastfeeding Awareness Scale and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale of the mindful breastfeeding group were statistically significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Exclusive breastfeeding rate at the fourth month was 76.7% in the awareness breastfeeding group and 9.3% in the control group (p < 0.001). In repeated measures analysis of variance, group (F=19.587), measurement (F=12.443) and group × measurement interaction (F=28.692) were found significant. Conclusion: The results show that awareness-based education can be an effective intervention in improving breastfeeding behaviours. It may be recommended that midwives use awareness-based breastfeeding education in the postnatal period. Keywords: Breastfeeding, Midwife, Mindfulness, Self-efficacy