Does Mode of Delivery Affect Breastfeeding Adaptation?

Abstract

Aim:The aim of this study is to determine the effect of mode of delivery on breastfeeding adaptation in breastfeeding mothers. Methods: The population of the study consisted of 350 mothers who applied to the pediatric outpatient clinic of the university hospital for hip ultrasound scanning between March and April 2022. Questionnaire and Breastfeeding Adaptation Scale (EAS) were used to obtain the data. Results: It was determined that the mean age of the participants was 28. 37±5.46, 52.6% (n:184) had a normal delivery and 47.4% (n:166) had a cesarean delivery.No statistical significance was determined when the type of delivery was compared with the Breastfeeding Adaptation Scale (BAS) total score.The mean score of the 'emotional exchange with the baby' sub-dimension, which is one of the BAS sub-dimensions, was found to be significantly higher in mothers who gave birth normally (p<0.005).When the maternal variables were compared with the BAS scores, it was determined that the BAS scores were significantly higher in mothers with low educational status.The BAS scores of working mothers were significantly lower. A significant difference was determined between the income status variable and the mean BAS score.The mothers who thought they had enough fluid had a significantly higher BAS score.The mean BAS score of mothers of exclusively breastfed infants was found to be significantly higher than that of mothers of breastfed and formula-fed infants.A positive and very weak significant correlation was determined between maternal age, number of pregnancies, number of births and BAS score (p<0.005). Conclusion:According to our research findings, mode of delivery does not affect breastfeeding adaptation.It was concluded that as the number of births increased, breastfeeding adaptation increased positively.