Investigation of maternal and paternal perceptions of breastfeeding self-efficacy in the postpartum period in Turkey, 2023–2024: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate maternal and paternal perceptions of breastfeeding self-efficacy in the postpartum period in Turkey between December 2023 and June 2024. METHODS: The present study was designed as a cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 150 mothers and 150 fathers, making a total of 300 participants. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the “Descriptive Information Form for Mothers and Fathers,” the “Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale,” and the “Paternal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form.” Data collection was carried out between December 2023 and June 2024. The obtained data were analyzed using the SPSS 25.0 statistical program, and a statistical significance level of p<0.05 was accepted. RESULTS: Mothers’ scores were higher than fathers’ scores (p<0.001). It was found that paternal breastfeeding self-efficacy significantly affected mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy (r=0.520, p<0.001). In the multiple regression analysis, monthly income, breastfeeding education, and the time of first breastfeeding were found to affect mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy (R2=0.099, p=0.02). Also found that employment status, breastfeeding experience, and planned pregnancy variables affected paternal breastfeeding self-efficacy (R2: 0.161, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Empowering fathers about breastfeeding with in-service training and multidisciplinary approach is very important to increase breastfeeding rates. In addition, it is recommended that fathers should be handled together with pregnant women from the prenatal period, and counseling services should be provided to support the positive development of their perspective on breastfeeding.