Abstract
Objective:
In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of listening to music, including nature sounds, on mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy in the postpartum period and on their exclusive breastfeeding behaviors before discharge.
Method:
This quasi-experimental study with a control group was conducted between April 2024 and October 2024. The mothers in the music group (n = 55) listened to 30 minutes of instrumental music, including nature sounds, at 6 and 12 hours postpartum in addition to the standard breastfeeding counseling, while the mothers in the control group (n = 64) received only standard breastfeeding counseling. Measurements were made using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF). The exclusive breastfeeding rate was determined according to the World Health Organization criteria. Differences between groups were analyzed using the chi-square and independent samples t tests.
Results:
The mean score obtained from the BSES-SF by the participants in the music group before discharge was significantly higher (63.65 ± 4.91) than that obtained by the participants in the control group (56.07 ± 7.08) (p = 0.017; Cohen’s d = 1.23). The exclusive breastfeeding rate was significantly higher in the music group (65.5%) than it was in the control group (26.6%) (p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Music therapy, including nature sounds, increased mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy levels and exclusive breastfeeding rates. Integration of music-based interventions into postpartum care is recommended since it is a clinically applicable, low-cost, and non-invasive support method.
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