Public breastfeeding experiences and attitudes of women in Türkiye

This study aimed to explore the public breastfeeding experiences and attitudes of women in Türkiye and identify associated sociodemographic and behavioral factors. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 275 breastfeeding women at a public hospital in Istanbul between October 2023 and October 2024. Data were collected via a 35-item structured questionnaire and analyzed using chi-square and post hoc tests. While 50.5% of participants found public breastfeeding acceptable, 73.8% perceived breastfeeding with exposed breasts as shameful. Most (97.8%) supported the availability of private breastfeeding areas. Education level, employment status, and exclusive breastfeeding were significantly associated with attitudes toward public breastfeeding. These findings suggest the need for public health strategies to normalize breastfeeding in public and support mothers’ rights to breastfeed wherever they choose. Public breastfeeding is often stigmatized due to cultural norms and modesty expectations, with many mothers preferring private spaces despite legal rights. In Türkiye, limited research has examined how sociodemographic and behavioral factors influence these attitudes. This study shows that higher education and exclusive breastfeeding are linked to more positive views on public breastfeeding, while most women still perceive breastfeeding with breast exposure as shameful. Findings highlight the need for cultural change and supportive policies to normalize breastfeeding in public.