Breastfeeding Attitudes and Early Postpartum Breastfeeding Practices Among Turkish and Syrian Immigrant Mothers: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Breastfeeding is a key public health practice that promotes the health and well-being of both mothers and infants. However, migration-related experiences, socioeconomic conditions, and access to breastfeeding support may influence breastfeeding attitudes and practices among immigrant populations. This descriptive comparative study aimed to compare breastfeeding attitudes and early postpartum breastfeeding practices between Turkish and Syrian immigrant mothers. A total of 131 mothers (66 Turkish and 65 Syrian immigrant mothers) participated in the study. Data were collected between October 1 and December 31, 2022, during the first postpartum week using a descriptive information form and the Breastfeeding Attitude Assessment Scale (BAAS). Turkish mothers had significantly higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding than Syrian immigrant mothers (93.9% vs. 76.9%, p = .018). In addition, Turkish mothers demonstrated significantly more positive breastfeeding attitudes, with higher mean BAAS scores than Syrian immigrant mothers (109.15 ± 13.52 vs. 96.12 ± 13.60, p < .001). These findings suggest that breastfeeding attitudes and early breastfeeding practices differ between Turkish and Syrian immigrant mothers within the same health care setting and may be influenced by migration-related contextual factors, including access to breastfeeding education and support. Public health initiatives should provide accessible, language-appropriate, and migration-sensitive breastfeeding education and counseling to improve breastfeeding outcomes among immigrant mothers.