Effect of Solution-Focused Approach Education on Breastfeeding Avoidance and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy in Primiparous Mothers

Breastfeeding provides important short- and long-term benefits for maternal and infant health. However, many women, particularly primiparous mothers, experience psychological, social, and physiological difficulties during lactation and may show breastfeeding avoidance behavior. Breastfeeding self-efficacy, defined as a mother's belief in her ability to initiate and maintain breastfeeding, is a key determinant of breastfeeding success. This randomized controlled trial is currently evaluating the effect of a solution-focused approach (SFA) training program on breastfeeding avoidance and breastfeeding self-efficacy in primiparous mothers. Eligible participants are randomly assigned (1:1) to an intervention group, which receives four weekly, 45-minute online group sessions based on solution-focused techniques (e.g., scaling questions, reframing, EARS, miracle question, and exception-seeking questions), or a control group, which receives routine standard postpartum care. Breastfeeding avoidance and breastfeeding self-efficacy are measured before and after the intervention using validated scales. The study aims to determine whether SFA-based training reduces breastfeeding avoidance and increases breastfeeding self-efficacy in primiparous mothers.

Inclusion Criteria: Being 18 years of age or older. Having given birth for the first time (primiparous). Having delivered a single, live, healthy infant. At least 6 weeks having elapsed since childbirth (completion of the postpartum period). Currently breastfeeding or intending to continue breastfeeding. Being able to read, write, and communicate in Turkish. Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study and providing written informed consent. Having access to a smartphone, computer, or the internet. Exclusion Criteria: * Having a serious health condition in the mother or infant that contraindicates breastfeeding. Being multiparous. Prolonged mother-infant separation due to the infant's need for neonatal intensive care. Having a diagnosis of a serious psychiatric disorder. Reporting an inability to participate regularly in the study procedures. Incomplete completion of the data collection forms. Voluntarily withdrawing from the study at any stage. Not having access to a smartphone, computer, or the internet.