The effect of breastfeeding self-efficacy levels on maternal attachment: the mediation role of mothers' traumatic childbirth perception

The perception of traumatic birth can negatively affect maternal and child health by influencing breastfeeding self-efficacy and maternal attachment. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of traumatic childbirth perception in the effect of breastfeeding self-efficacy on maternal attachment among mothers. A total of 195 mothers were included in this descriptive and cross-sectional research. The research data were collected by using the Descriptive Information Form, the Traumatic Childbirth Perception Scale, the Maternal Attachment Inventory, and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (Short Form). As a result of the research, it was determined that the mothers' traumatic childbirth perception was at a moderate level, their maternal attachment scores were high and their breastfeeding self-efficacy scores were above average. Also, a positive correlation was identified between maternal attachment and breastfeeding self-efficacy. The research findings show that 48.7% of participant mothers had high-level or very high-level traumatic childbirth perceptions. Health professionals should support mothers about traumatic birth anxiety.