The ımpact of demographic and obstetric factors on perception of traumatic birth and breastfeeding attitudes

Abstract Objective: This study aims to examine the effects of sociodemographic and obstetric factors on traumatic birth perception and breastfeeding attitudes in primiparous mothers who have had a vaginal birth in the early postpartum period. Methods: The sample of the research, developed with a cross-sectional and correlational design, consisted of 252 women residing in a province in the Western Black Sea region of Türkiye. The data were obtained by employing a Personal Information Form, Traumatic Childbirth Perception Scale, and Breastfeeding Attitudes of The Evaluation Scale. Data analysis was conducted using the statistical programming language R (R version 4.3.3). Results: Women who were not employed, had a planned pregnancy, and did not experience health problems during pregnancy had higher mean breastfeeding attitude scores, and this difference was statistically significant. It was determined that a one-unit increase in gestational week led to an average increase of 1.926 units in breastfeeding attitude score, and a one-unit increase in Traumatic Childbirth Perception Scale score led to an average decrease of 0.110 units in breastfeeding attitude score. The mean traumatic childbirth perception scores of women living in urban areas were found to be lower than those living in villages or towns, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: The research findings indicate that gestational age, perception of traumatic childbirth, and certain sociodemographic factors significantly affect breastfeeding attitudes. Additionally, mothers living in urban areas have a lower perception of traumatic childbirth. Therefore, individualized approaches to childbirth and breastfeeding support are crucial.