Breast milk is a unique and irreplaceable source of nutrition for infants, offering protection against many common childhood diseases due to its natural sterility, accessibility, and immune-boosting antibodies. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is critical for healthy growth, development, and immune support. Despite global recommendations by WHO and UNICEF, lack of knowledge and inadequate support continue to hinder optimal breastfeeding practices. One major barrier is the persistence of cultural myths and misconceptions, such as "colostrum should be discarded," or "infants need water after every feeding." These unfounded beliefs may reduce mothers' confidence and lead to early cessation of breastfeeding or premature introduction of complementary foods. This study aims to examine the relationship between mothers' belief in breastfeeding myths and their motivation to breastfeed. While prior research has explored each factor individually, no known studies have analyzed their interaction.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
191
Acıbadem University
Istanbul, Ataşehir, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGDemographic, Birth, and Breastfeeding Characteristics of Participants
Collected using a 25-question Descriptive Information Form developed by the researchers. Includes maternal demographics, pregnancy and birth history, infant characteristics, breastfeeding status, beliefs, and motivational factors.
Time frame: At baseline (one-time assessment at enrollment)
Belief in Breastfeeding Myths
Measured using the Breastfeeding Myths Scale developed by Yılmaz Sezer et al. (2024). The scale consists of 30 items in a single dimension. Total scores range from 30 to 150, with higher scores indicating a stronger belief in breastfeeding myths. A cut-off score of 119.50 is used to distinguish between low and high levels of myth belief.
Time frame: At baseline (one-time assessment at enrollment)
Breastfeeding Motivation
Breastfeeding motivation was measured using the Breastfeeding Motivation Scale, originally developed by Kestler-Peleg et al. (2015) and adapted into Turkish by Mızrak Şahin et al. (2019). The scale consists of 24 items and assesses five subdimensions: Integrated Regulation, Intrinsic Motivation and Identified Regulation, Introjected Regulation - Social Approval, Introjected Regulation - Social Pressure, and External Regulation - Additional Benefits. Each subdimension score is calculated separately based on the mean of relevant items. Scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating higher levels of motivation in the respective subdimension.
Time frame: At baseline (one-time assessment at enrollment)
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