Effects of Music with Nature Sounds on Mothers’ Exclusive Breastfeeding and Self-Efficacy
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of listening to music, including nature sounds, on mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy in the postpartum period and on their exclusive breastfeeding behaviors before discharge. Method: This quasi-experimental study with a control group was conducted between April 2024 and October 2024. The mothers in the music group ( n = 55) listened to 30 minutes of instrumental music, including nature sounds, at 6 and 12 hours postpartum in addition to the standard breastfeeding counseling, while the mothers in the control group ( n = 64) received only standard breastfeeding counseling. Measurements were made using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF). The exclusive breastfeeding rate was determined according to the World Health Organization criteria. Differences between groups were analyzed using the chi-square and independent samples t tests. Results: The mean score obtained from the BSES-SF by the participants in the music group before discharge was significantly higher (63.65 ± 4.91) than that obtained by the participants in the control group (56.07 ± 7.08) ( p = 0.017; Cohen’s d = 1.23). The exclusive breastfeeding rate was significantly higher in the music group (65.5%) than it was in the control group (26.6%) ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: Music therapy, including nature sounds, increased mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy levels and exclusive breastfeeding rates. Integration of music-based interventions into postpartum care is recommended since it is a clinically applicable, low-cost, and non-invasive support method.
Source: Breastfeeding Medicine
Authors: Aysun Eksioglu (Ekşioğlu), Rabia Öztürk, Ceren Cinbaş
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4415948048