Relationship between perceived social support, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and perception of insufficient milk in breastfeeding mothers of eastern Türkiye

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding is a complex process influenced by various factors, including social support, perceived milk insufficiency, and breastfeeding self-efficacy. This study aimed to explore the relationships between perceived social support, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and the perception of insufficient milk among breastfeeding mothers in eastern Türkiye in 2022. Methods: This correlational study was conducted at a state hospital in eastern Türkiye with 500 breastfeeding mothers of infants aged 0-6 months attending the pediatric outpatient clinic. The participants completed the Sociodemographic Data Form, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, and the Perceived Insufficient Milk Questionnaire. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between the scales, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean scores were 62.91 ± 16.16 for perceived social support, 52.49 ± 9.03 for breastfeeding self-efficacy, and 38.25 ± 10.04 for perceived insufficient milk. Significant positive correlations were found between perceived social support and breastfeeding self-efficacy (r = 0.188, p < 0.001), perceived social support and the perception of insufficient milk (r = 0.251, p < 0.001), and breastfeeding self-efficacy and the perception of insufficient milk (r = 0.251, p < 0.001). Conclusion: High levels of social support are associated with increased breastfeeding self-efficacy and improved perceptions of milk supply, thereby supporting both maternal and infant health. Healthcare professionals can enhance these outcomes by providing targeted training programs, motivational interviews, and social-cognitive support to breastfeeding mothers. © 2024, Golestan University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.