Breastfeeding Practices and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy of Mothers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose: The research was conducted to examine the breastfeeding practices and breastfeeding self-efficacy of mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. Material and Methods: The research is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. Between February and April 2021, the data for the research was collected using electronic surveys produced with Google Forms. The study's sample consisted of 220 women who were contacted in this manner and met the study's inclusion criteria. Data was collected using a Data Collection Form and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Short Form (BSES). Results: The mothers' mean BSES score was found to be 49.84±12.12. It was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the mothers' state of being affected by the breastfeeding process during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the place where the baby slept during the breastfeeding period, and the mean scores of the BSES (p<0.05). It was found that 22.7% (50 mothers) of the mothers had COVID-19 infection during breastfeeding. 64% of these mothers continued to breastfeed their babies with a mask when they found out that they were Covid (+), 42.0% were afraid of the transmission of COVID-19 to their babies while breastfeeding, and 76% did not use medication and continued to breastfeed. It was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the use of a medication related to COVID-19 infection and the mean score of BSES (p<0.05). Conclusion: The pandemic has affected mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy, breastfeeding behaviors, and the nutritional status of infants. Study findings highlight the importance of breastfeeding support during pandemics and other societal crises to protect maternal and infant health.

Keywords

• Breastfeeding
• Self-efficacy
• Postpartum
• COVID-19
• Pandemic

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