The spousal support and breastfeeding self-efficacy between mothers of healthy babies and babies in the NICU: a comparative and correlational study

This comparative and correlational study investigated the relationship between perceived spousal support and breastfeeding self-efficacy in mothers of healthy babies and babies hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The study was conducted with 416 mothers (206 mothers with healthy babies and 210 mothers whose babies were hospitalized in NICU) at a training and research hospital in western Türkiye. The results revealed no significant difference in the mean scores of the perceived spousal support (PSS) and breastfeeding self-efficacy scale (BSES) between the two groups (p > .05). However, the mean total score for perceived social support was higher among mothers of infants in the NICU. While a strong positive correlation was found between the total and subscale scores of perceived spousal support and the breastfeeding self-efficacy scores of mothers with NICU infants, only a weak positive correlation was observed in mothers of healthy infants. These findings underscore the critical role of perceived spousal support in fostering positive breastfeeding outcomes, especially for mothers of NICU-admitted infants. The results suggest that enhancing spousal support could significantly improve breastfeeding self-efficacy, particularly for mothers facing the additional challenges of caring for medically fragile infants. Lactation consultants, nurses and healthcare providers should prioritize family-centered approaches that actively involve both mothers and their partners in breastfeeding education and support.