Maternal Mindfulness and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy: Exploring the Relationship.

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding mindfulness-defined as a mother's present-moment awareness, emotional attunement, and focused attention during breastfeeding-is an emerging concept with significant implications for lactation outcomes. While mindfulness and breastfeeding self-efficacy are recognized determinants of breastfeeding success, evidence regarding their relationship remains limited, particularly within the Turkish context. This study examined the association between maternal mindfulness during breastfeeding and breastfeeding self-efficacy.

METHODS

A descriptive and analytic cross-sectional study was conducted with 268 breastfeeding mothers who gave birth between July 2024 and February 2025 at a university hospital in Turkey. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a personal information form, the Mindfulness in Breastfeeding Scale, and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Statistics 22.0. Due to nonnormal data distribution, nonparametric tests and correlation analyses were employed.

RESULTS

The mean score for the Mindfulness in Breastfeeding Scale was 36.49 ± 4.56, and the mean score for the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale was 53.19 ± 8.68. A significant positive correlation was observed between mindfulness in breastfeeding and breastfeeding self-efficacy (r = 0.365, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Higher maternal mindfulness during breastfeeding is associated with increased breastfeeding self-efficacy. These findings suggest that integrating mindfulness-based strategies into prenatal and postpartum nursing interventions can enhance maternal emotional well-being and promote more effective breastfeeding. Consequently, incorporating mindful breastfeeding concepts into childbirth preparation and counseling programs is essential to equip mothers with these skills and support positive breastfeeding outcomes.