Physician Practices and Institutional Support for Breastfeeding During Maternal Hospitalization in Adult Wards: A Multicenter Survey in Turkiye

Abstract

Introduction:

Breastfeeding support in adult wards is often overlooked. We examined physician practices, institutional support, lactation resources, and educational needs during maternal hospitalization in Turkiye.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted an anonymous, web-based cross-sectional survey of physicians working in adult medical and surgical wards in Turkiye between July and August 2025. The 32-item questionnaire assessed clinician characteristics, breastfeeding support practices, institutional support and lactation resources, breastfeeding-related clinical decisions, educational needs, and Baby-Friendly Hospital (BFH) status. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios for selected outcomes.

Results:

Among 419 participants (52.5% female; mean age, 39 ± 10 years; 50.8% medical and 49.2% surgical), 72.3% reported working in a BFH. Female physicians and surgeons were more likely to routinely inquire about breastfeeding (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.06–5.75 and aOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.28–3.49, respectively). Institutional support and lactation resources were reported more often in private and BFH settings. Physicians working in private hospitals were less likely to use lactation-specific resources (aOR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.12–0.78), whereas female physicians were more likely to use them (aOR = 3.07, 95% CI: 1.81–5.21). Recommendations to interrupt breastfeeding after contrast-enhanced imaging was associated with female sex and private hospital setting (aOR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.28–4.45, and aOR = 6.10, 95% CI: 1.86–20.01, respectively). Perceived adequacy of prior breastfeeding education increased with experience, whereas interest in further training was higher among less experienced physicians.

Conclusions:

Breastfeeding support during maternal hospitalization varied across physician and institutional contexts. Gaps were identified in breastfeeding support practices, lactation support and resources, imaging-related counseling, and training needs. Routine documentation, clearer ward policies, reliable lactation support, and targeted education may help standardize care in adult inpatient settings.