Infant Feeding Attitude Research Articles

Complementary feeding practices and nutritional status in infants living in Turkey: Iowa infant feeding attitude scale and complementary feeding index.

Although complementary feeding (CF) and maternal attitudes towards infant feeding are known to affect the nutritional status of infants during the neonatal period, studies in this field remain limited. The present study aimed to determine CF practices for infants aged 6-12 months who live in Turkey and maternal attitudes towards infant feeding. In addition, the effects of CF practices and maternal attitudes on the nutritional status of infants were examined. This study included 720 infants, of whom 289 were aged 6-8 months and 431 were aged 9-12 months. CF status was assessed using the CF index (CFI), and maternal attitudes towards infant feeding were measured using the Iowa infant feeding attitude scale (IIFAS). The weight and length measurements of infants were categorized using z-scores. Infants with weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) and weight-for-length z-score (WLZ) of less than -2 standard deviation were categorized as malnourished. Mothers of malnourished infants were found to have lower CFI and IIFAS scores (p < 0.05). Consistency of fruit feeding and complementary foods in the first 3 days of CF was associated with WAZ. The mothers' level of knowledge about CF and appropriate CF practices significantly affects the nutritional status of infants. The tools used in the present study to monitor CF practices should be incorporated into public health programmes.

The Relationship Between Mothers’ Breast Milk Expression Experiences, Infant Feeding Attitudes, and Perceived Social Support in the Postpartum Period

The Relationship Between Mothers’ Breast Milk Expression Experiences, Infant Feeding Attitudes, and Perceived Social Support in the Postpartum Period

Do the fathers matter? Paternal perspective of exclusive breastfeeding practices: A community-based cross-sectional study in urban slums of Bhubaneswar, Odisha

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although various policies have been framed to improve exclusive breastfeeding outcomes in India, the father’s role in breastfeeding is grossly ignored. Gender inequalities are still predominant in several parts of India. Fathers’ involvement in breastfeeding decision-making plays a significant role in improving the outcome. However, till now, this domain has been neglected in India. Henceforth, we aimed to see the knowledge and attitudes of fathers regarding breastfeeding in a community setting. Methods: It was a community-based cross-sectional study done in the urban slums of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. One hundred seventy-one fathers with their children between six months and one year were recruited by simple random sampling. Knowledge was assessed with a semi-structured questionnaire, and attitude was measured with the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFA). Results: In the present study, 1.18% of fathers had good knowledge regarding breastfeeding. 46.2% had average knowledge regarding breastfeeding, and 57.3% had positive attitudes toward formula feeding. Discussion: We have found that most fathers had a positive attitude toward formula feeding, and very few fathers had good knowledge of breastfeeding. Henceforth, further focus in this area is required to improve breastfeeding outcomes.

Reliability and validity of the German version of the Iowa infant feeding attitude scale (IIFAS-G) and relations to breastfeeding duration and feeding method

BackgroundPublic health initiatives (e.g., the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative) have led to an increase in breastfeeding rates worldwide. However, as (exclusive) breastfeeding duration is still below WHO recommendations, it is crucial to understand the factors that influence decisions on breastfeeding practice. Modifiable psychological factors such as intention to breastfeed have therefore become targets of recent interventions. As the intention to breastfeed is among the strongest predictors of breastfeeding duration, reliable tools for measuring the intention to breastfeed are needed. The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) measures attitudes towards infant feeding and is used in various languages and across different cultural contexts. However, there has been no German version of the IIFAS (IIFAS-G) so far. The aim of this study was to investigate reliability, validity, and associations of the IIFAS-G with feeding method and breastfeeding duration.MethodsBetween August and November 2022, a total of 353 mothers (Mage = 35 years, SDage = 4.2 years) of singleton infants (47.3% female (1 undetermined), Mage = 10.8 months, SDage = 4.7 months, age range: 3-547 days; 90.4% living in Switzerland) participated in an online survey. The IIFAS-G was administered as a part of a larger study on early child development and infant feeding method.ResultsThe translated IIFAS-G showed unsatisfactory model fit for the two factor 17-item solution. Four items showed low factor loadings. After item reduction, a 13-item two factor solution showed satisfactory model fit (CFI = 0.92, TLI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.07) and high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.85). The IIFAS-G score was higher for mothers who exclusively breastfed their infants compared to mothers who additionally or exclusively fed infant formula. Moreover, mothers with higher IIFAS-G scores were less likely to stop breastfeeding their child over the course of 1.5years (HR = 0.87).ConclusionA shorter two-factor IIFAS-G is proposed to investigate attitudes towards breastfeeding and formula feeding in German-speaking mothers.

A multicentre survey to assess exclusive breastfeeding practices in Bhutan

BackgroundExclusive breastfeeding (EBF) can reduce illnesses and death in infants. Globally, there has been a slow uptake in EBF despite 30 years of evidence on the benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers. The Royal Government of Bhutan has committed to rising the EBF rate, which was 51.4 % in 2015. Therefore, we seek to investigate the current situation of EBF in Bhutan and identify the underlying factors that influence breastfeeding practices. MethodsThis cross-sectional survey was conducted on mothers with children aged 0–6 months, who visited one of the participating referral hospitals. Participants were divided into the EBF group if they fed their infant only breast milk, or the non-EBF group if their infant was fed other liquids or solids in addition to breast milk. The nutrition-related knowledge, attitude, and practice questionnaire; the Iowa infant feeding attitude scale; and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale - Short Form were used to assess breastfeeding practices. ResultsOf the 483 mothers included, 324 (67 %) exclusively breastfed their babies. The EBF and non-EBF groups displayed significant differences for referral hospitals (p = 0.002) and for the duration of maternity leave (p = 0.002). Although knowledge of EBF was significantly lower in the EBF group (p = 0.040), self-efficacy was significantly higher (p = 0.028). ConclusionThis study revealed an increase in the EBF rate compared to the 2015 report. Further propagation and strengthening of EBF practices might be accomplished through improvements in the self-efficacy of the mother.

Mothers' Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy after a High-Risk or Normal Pregnancy: A Greek Longitudinal Cohort Study.

the objective of this longitudinal study (from pregnancy to the end of the sixth month postpartum) is to elucidate the association between maternal self-efficacy, defined as a mother's confidence in her ability to breastfeed, and breastfeeding outcomes. This prospective cohort study was conducted among high-risk pregnant women (including those with conditions such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and other pathological medical conditions) and normal-risk pregnant women in Greece. The high-risk group included 164 women, while the normal-risk group comprised 154 women. Data were collected using validated psychometric scales, including the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale, and Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale. Higher maternal self-efficacy was significantly associated with a longer duration and greater exclusivity of breastfeeding. A statistically significant relationship between the type of breastfeeding and the degree of breastfeeding self-efficacy was observed at multiple postpartum milestones: in the first and third 24 h postpartum, and at the end of the sixth week, third month, and sixth month postpartum. The findings underscore the critical role of maternal self-efficacy in breastfeeding success, influenced by individual psychological factors and broader socio-cultural contexts. Strengthening maternal self-efficacy is essential for improving breastfeeding outcomes.

Factors Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding during Admission to a Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study in Spain.

Breastfeeding is the optimal nourishment for infants and it is recommended that children commence breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the initial 6 months of life. Our objective was to determine which factors related to mothers could influence the degree of exclusive breastfeeding during hospitalization, as well as to assess breastfeeding mothers' attitudes towards breastfeeding. A multicenter cross-sectional study was undertaken in the healthcare area of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The necessary variables were collected using a specially designed ad hoc questionnaire. The researcher responsible for recruitment conducted the interviews with the participants. The reduced Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS-s) was employed to gauge maternal attitudes toward feeding their baby. In total, 64 women were studied. The overall score of IIFAS-s (mean ± standard deviation) was 36.95 ± 5.17. A positive attitude towards breastfeeding was therefore observed in our sample. No use of a pacifier by the newborn was associated with a positive attitude for breastfeeding. Having previous children (Ora = 6.40; IC95% 1.26-32.51) and previous experience with breastfeeding (Ora = 6.70; IC95% 1.31-34.27) increased the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding during admission. In our study, exclusive breastfeeding during hospitalization is associated with having previous children and prior breastfeeding experience.

Sociodemographic and obstetric factors may affect breastfeeding attitudes, self-efficacy, and knowledge in women with rheumatic diseases: a retrospective analysis of self-reported surveys.

Women with autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARDs) experience difficulties with BF in addition to those concerning their own disease. The aim of this study is to identify the impact factors as infant feeding attitude, the level of BF knowledge, BF self-efficacy, and the sociodemographic have in the intention to BF in women with ARDs. We performed an observational, retrospective, and analytical study. Reproductive-age women (18-50 years old) with ARDs with prior pregnancy history and who filled out self-reported BF surveys as part of the Rheumatology Integral Care Program were included. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were retrieved from medical charts. We analyzed three validated BF questionnaires. Sixty-five participants with a mean age of 41.32 ± 7.48 were evaluated. Of these, 63 (97%) women agreed with BF in the first 6 months. The most prevalent infant feeding attitude was neutral with 42 (64.6%) women. The most common level of BF knowledge was poor with 45 (69.2%) patients. There were significant correlations of BF knowledge with education years (p = < 0.001, r = 0.464) and age (p = 0.049, r=-0.245). A significant correlation was found between BF self-efficacy and age (p = 0.039, r = 0.257). Attitude toward BF was significantly associated with education level > 9 years (OR = 3.400; 95% CI = 1.091-10.593) and a history of miscarriage (OR = 3.670; 95% CI = 1.051-12.813). Although most women with ARDs agreed with BF, we identified a poor level of BF knowledge and a neutral infant feeding attitude as the most predominant. By identifying this data in women with ARDs, BF practices may be improved.

Knowledge and attitude of spouses of puerperas towards breastfeeding

ObjectiveTo investigate the extent of knowledge about breastfeeding and attitudes towards infant feeding among spouses of puerperas at the time of discharge from hospital, and explore the factors influencing spousal attitudes toward breastfeeding.MethodsWe conducted a questionnaire survey among 204 spouses of puerperas who were admitted in the maternity wards at a tertiary hospital in Shaanxi Province between October 2021 and December 2021. Respondents who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were identified using convenient sampling.Results(1) The score of breastfeeding knowledge among spouses prior to discharge from the hospital was (10.56 ± 3.78), with an accuracy rate of 59.6%, and the lowest accuracy rate was for Item 1 “Newborns should be fed on time, not on demand” (42.6%) and Item 5 “Breastfeeding can prevent infant rickets” (49.5%). (2) The average score of spouses’ infant feeding attitudes was (58.15 ± 5.55), and the lowest scoring was for Item 17 “Daily urine volume of infants is a reliable indicator to judge whether they get enough breast milk” (1.99 ± 1.14). (3) Generalized linear model analysis showed a more positive attitude (higher score) among spousal attitudes towards infant feeding in those who had received breastfeeding education [OR = 4.588, 95% CI (0.160 ∼ 3.598)] and those with a master’s degree or above [OR = 18.278, 95% CI (3.471 ∼ 9.346)].Conclusion(1) Spouses that received breastfeeding education and those that had a Masters Degree and above had more positive attitude towards infant feeding. (2) Medical staff should focus on puerperas’spouses with degrees below master’s level who had not received breastfeeding education. We recommend using a variety of education methods to enable them to acquire more knowledge on breastfeeding and develop a more positive attitude towards breastfeeding, which will further enhance spousal support for breastfeeding, thus positivizing postpartum co-parenting attitudes and improving the rate of exclusive breastfeeding.

Innovative continuum of care to promote exclusive breast feeding in Pakistan: protocol of a pilot randomised controlled trial

BackgroundBreastmilk being the ideal nutrition from birth to 2 years and beyond has many health benefits for both newborn and mothers. This study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of...

The effect of birth memory, recall level, and related factors on breastfeeding attitude of mothers in the postpartum period: a prospective study

This study was conducted to examine the effect of birth memory, recall level, and related factors on postpartum mothers’ breastfeeding attitudes. This is a correlational prospective study. The study was conducted in the postpartum clinic of a city hospital in a province located in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. The study included a total of 248 mothers in the early postpartum period. Data were obtained via a Personal Information Form, a Labor Monitoring Form, the Birth Memories and Recall Questionnaire (BirthMARQ), the Birth Satisfaction Scale (BSS), and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IOWA). A positive correlation was found between mothers’ level of birth memory and recall and breastfeeding attitude on postpartum day 1, month 1, and month 3. In the regression analysis, emotional memory and coherence and reliving, which are the sub-dimensions of the birth memory and recall scale affecting breastfeeding attitude, were found to be significant associated risk factors for the 1st postpartum day, consistency and reliving for the 1st month, and birth memory and recall for the 3rd month. No relationship was found between mothers’ breastfeeding attitude and birth satisfaction on postpartum day 1, month 1, and month 3. Positive birth memory and recall positively affected mothers’ breastfeeding attitude. No relationship was found between mothers’ labor satisfaction and breastfeeding attitude. Supporting women for the formation of positive birth memory and recall for the labor process may positively improve breastfeeding attitudes of mothers in the postpartum period.

The Effects of Antenatal Education on Level of Exclusive Breastfeeding in the First Two Months

Objective: Breastfeeding is a wonderful event that requires strength and dedication from mothers. Effective breastfeeding education provided to pregnant women in the prenatal period can increase the success and level of breastfeeding. This study aimed to determine the effect of prenatal education intervention on the first two-month exclusive breastfeeding level.&#x0D; Method: This experimental study was carried out at a primary family health center between July 2019 and February 2020. One hundred thirty-three pregnant women were included in the study’s control and intervention groups. The Prenatal and postnatal information form, the Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF) were used to collect the data.&#x0D; Results: The first two-month exclusive breastfeeding level was 33.1% in the control group and 68.7% in the intervention group (p

Determinants and Prevalence of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Thai Muslim Mothers: A Cross-sectional Analysis

Exclusive breastfeeding is pivotal for the health and development of infants and offers numerous benefits to mothers. However, unique cultural beliefs and practices, particularly among Muslim communities, can significantly influence breastfeeding behaviors. This study sought to elucidate the factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding among Thai Muslim mothers. The sample was 168 postpartum Muslim mothers from well-baby clinics in southern Thailand, selected through multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected from June to December 2022 employing the Demographic Data Form, Infant Feeding Intentions Scale, Breastfeeding Knowledge Questionnaire, Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale -Short Form, Maternal Health Literacy Scale, Islamic Belief Scale, Exclusive Breastfeeding Social Support, and Breastfeeding Practices Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman rank’s correlation, and binary logistic regression analysis. The study found that the rate of exclusive breastfeeding among Thai Muslim mothers at six months postpartum was 54.8%. Notably, breastfeeding self-efficacy emerged as the sole predictor of exclusive breastfeeding, accounting for 11% of the variance in this practice. These findings underscore the critical role of breastfeeding self-efficacy in promoting exclusive breastfeeding. It is recommended that nurses and healthcare professionals develop culturally tailored support programs that enhance breastfeeding self-efficacy, aligned with Islamic beliefs, to improve breastfeeding practices among Muslim mothers.

Impact of Brief Lactation Rotation in Residency on Decision to Refer for Lactation Support.

Breastfeeding challenges may be difficult to address within the constraints of a typical well-child visit. A team-based approach, including lactation consultants, can reduce physician workload, increase breastfeeding self-efficacy, and increase patient satisfaction. Continuity of care issues, including absent or delayed referrals, hinder patient access to skilled lactation support. To examine the post-residency referral patterns of physicians to lactation consultants among physicians who did or did not participate in a brief outpatient lactation rotation at an academic lactation clinic during residency. A cross-sectional online survey of physicians who completed residency programs in pediatrics, family medicine, or medicine-pediatrics between 2013 and 2022 was conducted using REDCap; 46 valid responses were received. Respondents who participated in a brief outpatient lactation rotation during residency refer patients to lactation consultants with significantly higher frequency than those who did not complete the rotation. Among those with lactation consultants in their geographic area, this relationship remained significant even when adjusting for residency type, gender, experience with an inpatient lactation consultant, and infant feeding attitudes using multiple linear regression. An outpatient lactation rotation during medical residency may increase the likelihood of referring to a lactation consultant in post-residency practice, which can improve breastfeeding outcomes.

Attitudes and barriers to breastfeeding among women at high-risk for not breastfeeding: a prospective observational study

BackgroundRates of breastfeeding are lower among minority and underserved populations in the United States. Our study objective was to assess pregnant persons attitudes and barriers to breastfeeding among a cohort at high risk for not breastfeeding.MethodsWe disseminated the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) to 100 pregnant persons at least 18 years of age attending a prenatal visit in a low-resource, academic practice in south-central Louisiana (Woman’s Hospital). The IIFAS, as well as questions collecting information on breastfeeding experience and sociodemographic characteristics, were administered via interview. Medical records were reviewed to investigate associations between attitudes about breastfeeding in pregnancy and patient’s feeding choices during the delivery hospital stay. Fisher exact tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to assess associations between categorical and continuous variables respectively.ResultsOf the 98 participants who completed the study, 8% were Hispanic, 63% were Black, 95% were Medicaid eligible, and 50% were unemployed. 59% (n = 58) went on to breastfeed/combination breast-formula feed (called “Any-Breastfeeding Group”) during the delivery stay. Total IIFAS score during pregnancy was significantly higher among those who went on to breastfeed during delivery hospital stay (Any-Breastfeeding Group vs. Formula-Feeding-Only Group: 58.9 ± 5.5 vs. 53.7 ± 6.2 respectively, p < 0.001). In the group that went on to only formula feed (Formula-Feeding-Only Group), only 4% agreed breastfeeding was more convenient when surveyed during pregnancy, compared to 45% of the Any-Breastfeeding Group. 60% of Formula-Feeding-Only Group agreed formula is as healthy as breast milk.ConclusionThe three major themes that coincided with favorability toward breastfeeding in the study, and can be addressed during prenatal counseling, are: mother-infant bonding, convenience, and health benefits. By identifying attitudes and barriers to breastfeeding for patients during pregnancy who went on to not breastfeed, directed educational opportunities can be developed to address these specific attitudes to ultimately increase breastfeeding initiation and continuation.

The effectiveness of online breastfeeding education and support program on mothers of preterm infants: A quasi-experimental study

ObjectiveTo develop a WeChat-mini-program-based Online breastfeeding education and support program and explore its impacts on promoting mothers of preterm infants’ breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and rates. Design, setting, and participantsThis was a quasi-experimentation with two-group comparisons. The eligible preterm mother-infant pairs were recruited from the NICU within seven days postpartum. The first 25 mothers admitted to the NICU during the study period were included in the control group, and the following 25 mothers were in the intervention group according to the admission order of their preterm infants. A generalized linear mixed model was used to detect the effects of the online intervention program and the interaction effects of group and time. InterventionsThe participants received a 3-month online breastfeeding intervention from a WeChat mini program for the intervention group. MeasurementsMothers of preterm infants’ breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and breastfeeding rates of different patterns were respectively evaluated by the Breastfeeding Knowledge Questionnaire (BKQ), Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS), and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES) at three different points of times including before intervention (T0), at one month postpartum (T1) and three months postpartum (T2). FindingsThe breastfeeding knowledge significantly differed between the two groups but without differences between different time points and in the grouping*time interaction. Within the intervention group, significant improvements were observed from T0 to T2 and T1 to T2. No significant differences in breastfeeding attitudes, self-efficacy, and breastfeeding rates were found between and within groups. Key conclusionsThe WeChat-mini-program-based online breastfeeding intervention may improve the breastfeeding knowledge level of mothers of preterm infants but has no significant impact on mothers’ breastfeeding attitudes, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and breastfeeding rates. Implications for practiceThe WeChat mini program can be used to improve the breastfeeding knowledge level of mothers of preterm infants. Future interventions need to target both mothers of preterm infants and their family members by combing online and offline approaches.

Understanding the attitudes towards breastfeeding amongst staff and students in a UK higher institutional setting – a mixed-method cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Breastfeeding is recognised as a human right and in the UK, it is a legal requirement for employers to provide a space where breastfeeding mothers can rest. Despite this, breastfeeding rates in the UK are amongst the lowest in the world and breastfeeding mothers suffer prolonged loss of earnings compared to those who do not. In response, this study aimed to measure the attitudes to infant feeding among staff and students in a UK higher education institution and understand the experiences of those who have breastfed and/or expressed on campus. A convenience sampling technique was used to recruit 72 staff members and 99 students at the same UK university. Respondents completed an online questionnaire which first presented the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale and then provided an open text box where people who had experience of feeding on campus could share their experiences. Female respondents were more likely to prefer breastfeeding than men. Students were more likely to prefer breastfeeding than staff. However, raising breastfeeding awareness among both staff and students is required. A realist thematic analysis of the comments made by 17 staff members about their feeding experiences on campus identified a lack of consistency in terms of management and access to suitable facilities to either express milk or breastfeed. It is argued that a combination of education around breastfeeding, visual cues that breastfeeding is welcome, provision of suitable facilities and a clear breastfeeding policy that is consistently implemented is required to support breastfeeding on campus.

Evaluation of Mothers’ Sociodemographic Characteristics and Infant Feeding Attitudes During Pregnancy According to the Iowa Feeding Attitude Scale and Examining the Scale’s Role in Determining Breastfeeding Duration

Introduction: The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the initial 6 months of life, followed by the introduction of supplementary foods together with breast milk after 6 months, and then continuing to breastfeed until the child reaches 2 years of age. Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) was developed to identify which infant feeding methods pregnant women are more inclined towards during the early stages of pregnancy. In our study, we aimed to assess the feeding practices of mothers using the IIFAS. Material and methods: The study was planned with consenting pregnant women who applied to the gynaecology clinic, pregnancy outpatient clinic and pediatric outpatient clinic of our hospital. Those who had problems such as drug use, chronic disease, psychological disorder, anatomical disorder that would prevent breastfeeding, syndromic condition, indication for hospitalisation were excluded from the study. A questionnaire regarding the demographic profile of the mothers and the IIFAS was filled out. Subsequently, face-to-face interviews were conducted with the mothers on the seventh day, third month, and sixth month to gather information. Results: The study was completed with 96 mothers. According to the IOWA infant feeding scale scores of the mothers, there were 26 (27.1%) mothers in the breastfeeding-prone group with a score of 70 and above and 70 (72.9%) mothers in the undecided group with a score between 49-69. Since none of the pregnant women scored between 17-48, the group predisposed to formula feeding was not formed. There were no significant variations observed between the groups with regard to age, family type, and mode of delivery; however, there was a notable disparity in the educational and informational statuses of the mothers. Conclusions: The fact that mothers were mostly undecided about the recommendations related to the IIFAS indicates the need for information about breast milk.

Association Between Breastfeeding Attitudes and Depression Risk of Mothers in COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the level of breastfeeding attitude and its association with risk of depression among mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In the cross-sectional analytics study, the minimum number of samples to be reached was calculated (n=327). Data were collected from 393 mothers with the Google survey method. Questionnaire Form, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IFAS) forms were used as data collection tools. Variables related to socio-demographic characteristics are shown by number and percentage distribution. The effects of categorical variables, which are thought to affect the mean scores of EPDS and IFAS, were evaluated with t-test and chi-square analysis in independent groups. The relationship between the mean scores of the scale is shown by the correlation coefficient. p&amp;lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean IFAS score was 65.54±6.74, and the mean EPDS score was 10.70±6.25. IFAS scores of mothers at risk for depression (64.78±6.85) were found to be significantly lower (p &amp;lt; 0.05) than mothers who were not at risk for depression. Conclusion: In the COVID-19 pandemic, it was determined that the breastfeeding attitudes of mothers at risk for depression were lower than those of mothers who were not at risk for depression.

Postpartum Breastfeeding Practices and Attitudes in Parents: A Randomized Study to Evaluate the Effects of Individual and Group Breastfeeding Education of Mothers and Fathers.

Background Antenatal breastfeeding training is defined as the provision of breastfeeding information during pregnancy, which can be given in various ways, such as individual training and group training. The inclusion of fathers in this educational approach is associated with the initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding and duration of breastfeeding. However, studies involving fathers are limited. This randomized controlled study aimed to compare the effects of individual and group training given to parents and those of normal hospital practices on mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy and fathers' attitudes toward breastfeeding. Methods The study was conducted randomly in a training and research hospital between March 2014 and September 2014 and included 180 people. Of them, 90 were prospective mothers who were in the third trimester of their pregnancy and were living with their husbands and received service from the obstetrics outpatient clinic of the hospital. The expecting mothers and their husbands were randomly assigned to three groups: individual training, group training and control group. After randomization, prospective mothers and fathers in all groups received training. In the first week, sixth week, and fourth month after delivery, the mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding attitudes as well as the attitudes of the fathers' toward breastfeeding were evaluated. Results There were no differences between the groups in terms of variables such as age, education status, family type, breastfeeding education status, and mode of delivery. There were significant differences between the scores obtained from the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale and its subscales in all three groups during the postpartum period (p <0.05). The highest scale scores were obtained at the postpartum fourth month in the individual training and control groups and at the postpartum sixth week in the group training group. There were differences between the scores obtained by the mothers and fathers during the postpartum process from the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (p<0.05). Conclusion The analysis of all the results indicates that breastfeeding education given to parents in the antenatal period increases their breastfeeding self-efficacy and provides them with a positive attitude toward breastfeeding. However, further research is needed to determine whether individual or group training contributes to the development of breastfeeding self-efficacy and attitudes.