The Effect of Antenatal Education Based on the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Theory and Postpartum Follow-Up Counseling on Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy and Attitudes in Adolescent Pregnant Women

Adolescence is the period between the ages of 10 and 19, during which individuals undergo physiological, biological, psychological, and social development, transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Pregnancies occurring during this period are defined as adolescent pregnancies. In developing countries, approximately 21 million adolescent pregnancies occur annually among individuals aged 15-19, resulting in around 12 million births. According to national demographic data, a certain percentage of adolescent women have already started childbearing. Pregnancies occurring during this stage, when physical and psychosocial development is still incomplete, bring various medical and social challenges. Adolescent pregnancies are associated with increased maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity risks and are classified as high-risk pregnancies. Therefore, adolescent mothers require close follow-up during both the antenatal and postpartum periods. However, studies indicate that adolescent mothers often fail to attend regular antenatal check-ups, receive inadequate education on breastfeeding, and consequently feel unprepared for motherhood. They tend to have low breastfeeding self-efficacy and develop negative attitudes toward breastfeeding. In the postpartum period, they also experience difficulties in initiating and maintaining breastfeeding. Research highlights the need for education and counseling for adolescent mothers during the antenatal and postpartum periods. Providing education on breastfeeding is particularly important for improving maternal and infant health outcomes. Current approaches to breastfeeding counseling involve face-to-face training provided by healthcare professionals in medical institutions, as well as various alternative methods such as home visits, online/web-based education portals, theory-based training, text messages, emails, and phone consultations. In breastfeeding counseling, it is essential to not only provide education but also ensure continuous follow-up. Monitoring the process is expected to increase adolescent mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy, foster positive attitudes toward breastfeeding, and extend the duration of breastfeeding. This study aims to assess the effects of antenatal education based on the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Theory and postpartum follow-up counseling on adolescent mothers' breastfeeding attitudes and self-efficacy. By enhancing their breastfeeding self-efficacy and attitudes, this study is expected to contribute to resolving challenges related to early initiation and continuation of breastfeeding in the postpartum period.