Factors Affecting Perception of Insufficient Milk in Primiparous Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study was conducted to examine the factors affecting insufficient milk supply in primiparous pregnant women. Material and Method: The descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 320 mothers hospitalized in the obstetric clinic of private hospital between January 4 and May 1, 2022. The data were obtained by using the "Descriptive Information Form" and the "Insufficient Milk Perception Scale". Results: The mean age of the mothers was 23.99±3.84 years and the gestational age of the babies was 38.92±0.74 weeks. It was determined that there was a significant difference between the mother's delivery type, the first time to hold the baby in her arms after the birth, the first breastfeeding time, witnessing the breastfeeding person before, and thinking of giving the baby a pacifier or bottle, and the total score of Insufficient Milk Perception Scale (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was observed that mothers who gave a vaginal birth, held their babies after birth, initiated breastfeeding early and had witnessed breastfeeding before perceived their milk more sufficienct.