Relationship Between Perceived Stress, Midwife Support and Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Polish Mothers

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BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Breastfeeding is a cornerstone of infant nutrition, promoting optimal development and health benefits for both mother and child. Despite high initiation rates in Poland (97%), exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) drops sharply, reaching only 4% by six months postpartum. The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with breastfeeding practices and barriers to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among Polish women during the postpartum period, with particular emphasis on the role of medical personnel support and maternal stress levels. METHODS: = 229; 21%). Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 26.0), and logistic regression to assess associations between variables and breastfeeding outcomes. The main reported reasons for early breastfeeding cessation included breast health issues, mental exhaustion, lack of medical support and infant-related difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: The findings allow us to underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve breastfeeding rates in Poland. New evidence indicates that women experiencing higher levels of stress require increased support from medical personnel in order to breastfeed exclusively.