Breastfeeding Counseling Training on Breast Milk Perception and Baby Feeding Attitudes

Overview

This research will be conducted to determine the effect of face-to-face breastfeeding counseling training on breast milk perception and infant nutrition attitudes.The population of this semi-experimental research consisted of students who took the Breastfeeding Consultancy course at Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Faculty of Health Sciences (n=49) and 3rd year students who did not take this course at İnönü University Faculty of Health Sciences (n=47). "Personal Introduction Form", "Adults' Perception Scale on Breast Milk (ASAÖ)" and "Infant Nutrition Attitude Scale (IOWA)" will be used to collect pre-test and post-test data. Pretest data were obtained in the first lesson of the semester in both groups. Participants in the experimental group were given training consisting of breastfeeding counseling course content for 14 weeks. The control group was not given any training on this subject. At the end of the semester, post-test measurements will be made to both groups simultaneously and with the same measurement tools.

The rich nutrients contained in breast milk ensure the survival and healthy growth of the newborn . Apart from being a nutrient for the mother and the newborn, breast milk and breastfeeding have many benefits in terms of psychological, social development, immune system, developmental, spiritual, social and financial benefits . It is recommended that the baby should not be breastfed without additional food for the first 6 months . However, although the rate of breastfeeding in Turkey is 98%, the rate of babies being fed only breast milk for the first 6 months is reported to be 41% in the Turkey Population and Health Survey (TDHS)-2018 report. It is very important that breastfeeding begins and continues successfully. However, the breastfeeding process can be affected by many factors related to mother and baby. The mother may not be able to cope alone with some challenging factors such as breast rejection, frequent crying, dissatisfaction after breastfeeding, small amounts of defecation, and insufficient breast milk. In case of possible or real problems with breastfeeding, breastfeeding counseling is required . Providing breastfeeding education and counseling is one of the most important roles and responsibilities of midwives during pregnancy, birth and postpartum . The breastfeeding support that the mother receives from midwives greatly affects breastfeeding decisions. Effective breastfeeding support increases breastfeeding duration and success . Midwifery students are given training on breast milk and breastfeeding in accordance with the Midwifery National Core Education Program (EUÇEP). The purpose of breastfeeding counseling training is to train people to evaluate and manage breastfeeding problems . During the breastfeeding consultancy process; The aim is to support mothers in breastfeeding, to reveal the causes of breast milk insufficiency and to implement practices to increase breast milk However, it has been emphasized in the literature that midwives' breastfeeding counseling is not at the desired level . Breastfeeding counseling course is not included in the curriculum of midwifery departments of every university in Turkey . Studies have also shown that mothers are not always satisfied with the breastfeeding support they receive from midwives after birth A quality education based on evidence-based breastfeeding counseling is required for midwives and midwifery students to provide effective breastfeeding support to breastfeeding women tfeeding is effective in successfully maintaining the self-efficacy and breastfeeding behavior of mothers during the lactation process . It is thought that with this research, the curriculum of the midwifery department of the breastfeeding counseling course will be reviewed and will contribute positively to the increase in breastfeeding rates in our country in the future. The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of breastfeeding counseling training on midwifery students' perception of breast milk and infant feeding attitudes.