Abstract:

The aim of this study was to determine postpartum physical symptoms severity and breastfeeding behavior of primipar mothers according to their birth type. METHODS: This descriptive and comparative study was conducted through January - June 2018 in gynecology and newborn policlinics of three training research hospitals in Izmir. The study was conducted with 227 mothers in two groups that had normal vaginal birth (n=113) and caesarean birth (n=114). Data were collected by Individual Identification Form, Postpartum Physical Symptom Severity Scale and LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Scale.  RESULTS: It was found that breastfeeding success of mothers who had caesarean birth was low and they had more severe physical symptoms in postpartum period (p<0.05). The correlation between the average score of LATCH and Postpartum Physical Symptom Severity Scale regarding the birth type was analyzed in the study and it was found in both groups that breastfeeding success was decreased as symptom severity in postpartum period increases (p<0.05). Nurses should participate in childbirth education programs more and promote vaginal birth and breastfeeding. Also nurses should plan nursing care supporting breastfeeding, considering physical symptoms that mother might have in postpartum period.

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