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Impact of social support and breastfeeding success on the self-efficacy levels of adolescent mothers during the postpartum period

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the relationship between social support, breastfeeding success, and breastfeeding self-efficacy levels in adolescent mothers, as well as the factors affecting breastfeeding self-efficacy. METHODS: Following ethical approval, The Socio-Demographic Data Form, the Breast Milk and Breastfeeding Information Form, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Short Form Scale (BFSES) and the LATCH Breastfeeding Diagnostic and Assessment Scale were used to collect data and the study was completed with 163 participants. RESULTS: The rate of exclusive breastfeeding was found to be 41.1%. Mothers who exclusively breastfed their babies had higher scores on the MSPSS, LATCH, and BFSES scales. Additionally, breastfeeding self-efficacy levels were higher among mothers who initiated breastfeeding within 1 h after birth. The study also found positive correlations between social support, breastfeeding success, and breastfeeding self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, social support networks, including partners, mothers, and mothers-in-law, should be incorporated into breastfeeding training programs to help adolescent mothers leverage these resources effectively. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

Source: Reproductive Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12978-025-01960-z

Authors: Veysel Can, Mehmet Bulduk, Emine Kurt Can, Nesrullah Ayşin

Institutions: Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi, Hakkari University

Language: English

Topic: Breastfeeding Practices and Influences

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,290