Effects of the physical activity level on breastfeeding attitude in the postpartum period

Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of physical activity level on breastfeeding attitude in the postpartum period. Method: The study is a cross-sectional descriptive type study. Of the breastfeeding mothers who presented to the pediatric outpatient clinic of Suşehri State Hospital between September 2019 and January 2020; 100 mothers who accepted to participate in the study were included in the study. The study data were collected by using the Personal Information Form, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and Breastfeeding Attitude Assessment Scale. To analyze the study data, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 23.0 was used. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Of the mothers participating in the study, 57% did not do any physical activity before and during pregnancy, and 64% did not do any physical activity in the postpartum period. The mean score they obtained from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was 470.09±316.64. Their activity levels were low in the postpartum period. The mean score they obtained from the Breastfeeding Attitude Assessment Scale was 108.91±13.58, which was above the medium level. There was a moderately significant positive correlation between the mean scores the mothers obtained from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Breastfeeding Attitude Assessment Scale (t=4.155; p<0.001). Conclusion: The participating mothers’ breastfeeding attitudes improved as their physical activity levels increased. Accordingly, it is recommended that trainings on the benefits of physical activity and breastfeeding should be planned for mothers.