Özet:

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of stress experienced by mothers in the postpartum period on breastfeeding self-efficacy. Materials and Method: The research is of analytical and cross-sectional types. The data of the study were collected by using a questionnaire in the pediatric outpatient clinics of a state hospital. The study was completed with 148 mothers. Descriptive statistical methods, Student t Test, Pearson Chi-Square test and Correlation t test were used in the analysis of the data. Results: Participants’ Postpartum Stress mean score is higher for women who are between the ages of 21-34, who are university graduates, who are working but are currently on unpaid leave, have a good income, live in a nuclear family, whose spouse is university graduate and whose spouse is not working. When the mean scores of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale were examined, it was found that the scores of primigravidas, those with abortion and those with 3 or more living children, who had no planned pregnancy, had a vaginal delivery, and whose babies were born at 36 weeks or less were higher (p<0.05). In the study, it was determined that the mean score of the Postpartum Stress Scale was 18.33±5.92 and the mean score of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale was 54.56±11.20. In the study, a weak negative correlation was found between women’s Postpartum Stress Scale and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale scores. Conclusion: In the study, breastfeeding self-efficacy scores were found to be higher in mothers who had vaginal delivery and had less postpartum stress. For a healthy and adequate breastfeeding process, it is recommended to determine the stress level of mothers, to intervene in stress, and to encourage vaginal delivery.

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