Background: Mothers of preterm infants often encounter challenges that include perceived insufficient milk supply, elevated state anxiety, and diminished maternal self-efficacy, all of which negatively influence breastfeeding practices and overall psychosocial wellbeing. While breastfeeding is known to enhance maternal confidence and reduce anxiety, these associations have also been examined in psychoeducational interventions addressing anxiety and self-efficacy during pregnancy. Aim: This study aimed to examine the associations between perception of insufficient milk supply, perceived maternal parenting self-efficacy, and state anxiety in mothers of preterm infants. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 144 mothers of preterm infants attending pediatric outpatient clinic of a hospital in southeastern Turkey. Data were collected using validated instruments: the State Anxiety Inventory, the Perception of Insufficient Milk Supply Questionnaire, and the Perceived Maternal Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale. Statistical analyses included Spearman’s rank correlation, generalized linear modeling, mediation analysis. Results: Breastfeeding was the strongest predictor of lower perceptions of insufficient milk and higher perceived maternal parenting self-efficacy. State anxiety was positively associated with perceptions of insufficient milk and partially mediated the relationship between perceived milk insufficiency and perceived maternal parenting self-efficacy. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for post–neonatal intensive care services that integrate lactation support with strategies aimed at reducing maternal anxiety to promote stronger parenting self-efficacy in mothers of preterm infants.
Akça et al. (Fri,) studied this question.