Experiences of Primiparous Women Receiving Breastfeeding Counseling During the Early Postpartum Period: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding counseling provided by health care professionals is essential for initiating and sustaining breastfeeding. Although its effectiveness is well documented, less is known about women's experiences and emotional responses during the counseling process, particularly in Türkiye, where qualitative evidence remains limited. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted online with first-time mothers living in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye who had received routine breastfeeding counseling from midwives and nurses in public hospitals during the early postpartum period (within the first 4 weeks after birth). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study using inductive content analysis was conducted. Thirteen primiparous women in the early postpartum period (within the first 4 weeks after birth) who had received breastfeeding counseling participated in semistructured interviews via WhatsApp video calls. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected between October and December 2025. RESULTS: Four themes emerged: "Preparing for breastfeeding," "Encountering the reality of breastfeeding," "Breastfeeding within a social context," and "Experiencing breastfeeding counseling and gaining confidence." Women entered the postpartum period with positive expectations regarding breastfeeding but frequently underestimated the physical and emotional challenges they would encounter. Breastfeeding difficulties often resulted in pain, anxiety, guilt, and concerns about maternal competence. Partners and family members served as both supportive and pressuring influences throughout the breastfeeding process. Counseling experiences varied according to health care professionals' communication styles. Individualized, empathetic, and continuous support enhanced women's confidence and breastfeeding self-efficacy, whereas inadequate practical support, coercive communication, technical language, and violations of privacy negatively affected their counseling experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding counseling should extend beyond technical instruction to provide individualized, respectful, and emotionally supportive care. Woman-centered counseling that incorporates effective communication, continuity of care, and respect for maternal autonomy may strengthen breastfeeding self-efficacy and improve women's breastfeeding experiences.