The factors affecting breastfeeding self-efficacy, LATCH scores and effect of postnatal breastfeeding education on mothers' self-efficacy.

Objective: To identify the factors affecting breastfeeding self-efficacy and LATCH scores and to assess the impact of postnatal breastfeeding education on mothers' self-efficacy.

Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a single group. It was completed with 217 mothers who gave birth in a hospital in Turquía between May 2023 and December 2023. Data were collected using Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Scale, and LATCH assessment tool. Breastfeeding education was given to mothers before discharge. Breastfeeding self-efficacy was re-evaluated on the phone four weeks after discharge.

Results: The mean LATCH score among mothers was 9,2 ± 1.3 (min = 3, max = 10). Higher LATCH scores were observed in mothers with primary or secondary education, those who were unemployed, had four or more pregnancies and children, breastfed within the first hour, and had prior breastfeeding experience before discharge. Mothers with breastfeeding experience and those with four pregnancies and three children had higher breastfeeding self-efficacy scores before discharge. Four weeks after discharge was given to mothers, the mean breastfeeding self-efficacy score increased significantly from 58,9 ± 6,7 to 68,4 ± 1,9. A statistically significant improvement in breastfeeding self-efficacy was observed only among mothers with prior breastfeeding experience four weeks after discharge.

Conclusions: Regular breastfeeding education in the early postpartum period is crucial, particularly for young, primiparous mothers with higher education levels, those who are employed, with a history of cesarean deliveries, or lack of prior breastfeeding experience. The findings indi-cate that breastfeeding education positively impacts mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy.