Factors Associated With Breastfeeding Success: Postpartum Depressive Symptoms, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy, and Technique (LATCH)—A Cross-Sectional Study
Journal of Human Lactation, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1177/08903344261460212
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Human Lactation
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, MEDLINE
- Anahtar Kelimeler: breastfeeding, depression, LATCH, postpartum, self-efficacy
- Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Breastfeeding is more than nourishment; it strengthens the physiological and psychosocial bond between mother and infant. Aim: We examined the relationships among postpartum depressive symptoms, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and LATCH-assessed breastfeeding technique, which are known to influence breastfeeding outcomes but have generally been evaluated separately, and we also assessed relevant sociodemographic and obstetric factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a University Hospital. Data were collected using a structured sociodemographic/obstetric form, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale–Short Form (BSES-SF), and observation of a breastfeeding session with the LATCH tool. Analyses included descriptive statistics, group comparisons, correlation analyses, and multivariable linear regression. Results: In our study, mothers’ mean (SD) scores were EPDS 9.0 (5.43), LATCH 10.0 (1.06), and BSES-SF 62.0 (7.05). EPDS correlated negatively with BSES-SF, not with LATCH, whereas LATCH correlated positively with BSES-SF. In adjusted models, higher maternal age and better economic status were associated with lower EPDS scores; lack of breastfeeding training and a partner not employed predicted lower LATCH scores; and lower BSES-SF scores were associated with no prior breastfeeding experience, not being employed, lack of training, and maternal smoking. Conclusion: Breastfeeding success was associated with the interplay of a mother’s psychological health, technical performance at the breast, and breastfeeding self-efficacy. Perinatal care practices should incorporate breastfeeding education, smoking cessation support, direct skin-to-skin contact with early breastfeeding initiation, and integrated mental health support, particularly for primiparous and socioeconomically disadvantaged women.