Influence of spousal support in early postpartum period on breastfeeding self-efficacy

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine influence of spousal support in early postpartum period on breastfeeding self-efficacy. Material and Method: Study was conducted on 350 women who volunteered to participate and met the criteria between August 2016-April 2017 in family health center of Erzurum. Data were collected by using personal information form, Women's Perception of Spousal Support in Early Postpartum Period Scale and Breastfeeding Self Effiacy Scale. Data were evaluated by analyzing percentage of distributions, mean, ANOVA test, t-test and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: Total mean score of women's perception of spousal support in early postpartum period scale was 39.24±2.34 and total mean score of breastfeeding self effiacy scale was 54.14±8.63. Women's age (p=0.016), educational status (p=0.003), employment status (p=0.018), spouse's educational status (p=0.000), income status (p=0.002), family type (p=0.029), number of children (p=0.042) affected level of spousal support. Women's income status (p=0.025) affected level of breastfeeding self effiacy. After analyzing mean scores of women's perception of spousal support in early postpartum period scale and breastfeeding self effiacy scale; it is determined that statistically in positive effect, there is no significant relation between women's perception of spousal support in early postpartum period and breastfeeding self effiacy. Conclusion: According to total mean scores obtained by women from perception of spousal support scale and breastfeeding self effiacy scale, spousal support in early postpartum period was in medium level, in case breastfeeding self effiacy was in good level. As level of women's spousal support increased, their level of breastfeeding self effiacy also increased. Keywords: Midwife, Breastfeeding, Early Postpartum, Self Effiacy, Spousal Support.