The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether antenatal maternal stress management using relaxation techniques improves breastfeeding effectiveness and neonatal neurodevelopmental outcomes. It is hypothesized that reducing maternal stress during pregnancy will enhance the initiation and continuation of exclusive breastfeeding until six months postpartum.
The management of antenatal maternal stress is expected to be reflected in both the newborn's behavior and proteins associated with neurodevelopment, such as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Reelin.
The main research questions of this study include the following:
1. Does stress management in pregnant women using relaxation techniques increase the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding at one and six months postpartum?
2. Does it impact neonatal and infant growth and behavior?
3. Does it alter neurotrophin levels in the fetus? This trial will provide insight into the potential benefits of prenatal stress reduction for both maternal and infant health outcomes.
4. "If prenatal stress management leads to changes in neurotrophins in the fetus, could these changes be linked to the success and duration of breastfeeding, as well as the infant's growth and behavior?