The effect of initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth on breastfeeding duration and the examination of associated factors

This descriptive and analytical study aimed to examine the effect of initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth on breastfeeding duration and to identify associated factors. The research was conducted between February and June 2024 with 415 mothers who gave birth at Trabzon Kanuni Training and Research Hospital. Data were collected using a structured "Personal Information Form" and analyzed with descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U test, ANOVA, and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Most mothers were married, had a secondary education, gave birth via cesarean section, and initiated breastfeeding within the first hour postpartum. Early skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in, and support from healthcare professionals during the first breastfeeding attempt were commonly reported. Early initiation of breastfeeding was significantly associated with both exclusive breastfeeding duration during the first six months and total breastfeeding duration. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between early initiation and maternal age (18–24 years), lower body mass index, gestational age of 38–40 weeks, delivery in a public hospital, nighttime delivery, induced vaginal delivery, skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in, mothers' perception of themselves as sufficient for breastfeeding and their thoughts about their milk being sufficient and absence of formula use. No significant associations were found with education level, marital status, income, smoking, pregnancy planning, antenatal care, or infant birth weight (p>0.05). In conclusion, initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth positively influences both exclusive and total breastfeeding durations, emphasizing the need to strengthen supportive perinatal health policies.