Daştan Yılmaz A., Yeşilçiçek Çalık K.
BREASTFEEDING MEDICINE, vol.0, no.0, pp.1-15, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
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Publication Type:
Article / Article
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Volume:
0
Issue:
0
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Publication Date:
2026
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Doi Number:
10.1177/15568253261470188
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Journal Name:
BREASTFEEDING MEDICINE
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Journal Indexes:
Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE
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Page Numbers:
pp.1-15
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Erzincan Binali Yildirim University Affiliated:
Yes
Abstract
Background:
Early breastfeeding cessation due to physiological and psychosocial factors limits long-term maternal and infant health benefits. Relactation, the reinitiation of breastfeeding, is a promising strategy to restore lactation and improve well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of education and follow-up based on Pender’s Health Promotion Model (HPM) on relactation success among mothers who had discontinued breastfeeding or experienced low milk supply.
Methods:
This randomized controlled trial was conducted between July and December 2023 in a hospital and five family health centers in eastern Türkiye. Seventy-three mothers (38 intervention, 35 control) with infants aged 15 days to 4 months who had ceased breastfeeding or used formula for 2–8 weeks were included. The intervention group received 8 weeks of relactation education and follow-up based on the HPM, whereas the control group received routine postnatal care. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF), the Breastfeeding Motivation Scale (BMS), the LATCH tool, and a tool for assessing the level of maternal milk intake (IMDAT).
Results:
At the final follow-up, 65.8% of mothers in the intervention group achieved complete relactation, compared to 8.6% in the control group. The intervention group also had significantly higher BSES-SF, LATCH, and IMDAT scores. However, no significant differences were found in the BMS intrinsic motivation and identified regulation subscales.
Conclusion:
HPM-based education and follow-up significantly enhanced relactation success, self-efficacy, and breastfeeding skills.