Associations Between Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy, Maternal Stress, and Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors in Postpartum Mothers

Objectives: The postpartum period can involve maternal stress and obsessive-compulsive behaviors, which may reduce confidence in breastfeeding. This study aimed to examine associations between breastfeeding self-efficacy, maternal stress, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors in postpartum mothers. Participants: A total of 303 mothers, 1 and 6 months postpartum, attending Family Health Centers in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey, participated in the study. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study collected data using a personal information form, the Postnatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, the Postpartum Stressors Scale, and the Obsessive and Compulsive Behaviors Scale related to infant care. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and linear regression analyses. Results: Mothers demonstrated high breastfeeding self-efficacy (55.9 ± 10.9), moderate maternal stress (19.3 ± 5.2), and low levels of obsessive-compulsive behaviors (23.9 ± 8.3). Breastfeeding self-efficacy was negatively correlated with maternal stress and obsessive-compulsive behaviors (p < .05). Linear regression analysis indicated that maternal stress and obsessive-compulsive behaviors were significant negative predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy, explaining 14% of the variance (F = 25.867, p < .001). No significant relationship was found between maternal stress and obsessive-compulsive behaviors (p < .05). Conclusion: The findings indicate that maternal stress and obsessive-compulsive behaviors related to infant care are important factors negatively influencing breastfeeding self-efficacy, whereas maternal stress levels were not significantly associated with obsessive-compulsive behaviors. These results emphasize the need to address maternal psychological well-being in postpartum care. It is recommended that midwifery care incorporate early screening for maternal stress and obsessive-compulsive tendencies, along with individualized education and psychosocial support programs, to enhance breastfeeding self-efficacy.