The relationship between breast feeding self-efficacy in pregnancy and feeding infants with exclusive breastfeeding in the second month after birth

This is an analytical-cross-sectional study and was performed to determine the relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy in pregnancy and feeding infants with exclusive breastfeeding in the second month after birth. The sample size of the study is based on a power analysis. Three hundred and twelve women fulfilling inclusion criteria were enrolled into the study sample. Data were collected with a descriptive characteristics form, Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale and a postnatal interview form. Obtained data were analyzed with t test, Mann-Whitney U test, one-way analysis of variance and Kruskall-Wallis test. Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale is valid and reliable for using in Turkish culture. There was not a statistically significant difference between duration of exclusive breastfeeding and the total score for Prenatal Breast Feeding Self-Efficacy Scale. Duration of exclusive breastfeeding was shorter in the second month than in the first month. The difference between education and the score for Prenatal Breast Feeding Self-Efficacy Scale was statistically significant. In fact, the university graduates got significantly higher scores for the scale than the primary school, secondary school, and high school graduates. The difference between employment status and the score for Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale was also significant in favor of the working women. To be more specific, the women having their own business got a significantly higher score for the scale. In addition, the women having an insurance and the women having breastfeeding experience got significantly higher scores for the scale. However, age, education, duration of marriage, financial status, employment status, insurance, breastfeeding experience, and number of pregnancy, birth and alive children were found to have no effects on the type of feeding infants. According to results of this study, breastfeeding self-efficacy in pregnancy is not correlated with feeding infants with exclusive breastfeeding in the second month after birth. However, further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy in pregnancy and breastfeeding behavior. Keywords: Breastfeeding, breastmilk, self-efficacy, validity, reliability, midwifery care