Breastfeeding Myths and Mothers' Motivation

Breast milk is a unique and irreplaceable source of nutrition for infants, offering protection against many common childhood diseases due to its natural sterility, accessibility, and immune-boosting antibodies. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is critical for healthy growth, development, and immune support. Despite global recommendations by WHO and UNICEF, lack of knowledge and inadequate support continue to hinder optimal breastfeeding practices. One major barrier is the persistence of cultural myths and misconceptions, such as "colostrum should be discarded," or "infants need water after every feeding." These unfounded beliefs may reduce mothers' confidence and lead to early cessation of breastfeeding or premature introduction of complementary foods. This study aims to examine the relationship between mothers' belief in breastfeeding myths and their motivation to breastfeed. While prior research has explored each factor individually, no known studies have analyzed their interaction.

NCT Number	NCT07067554
Lead Sponsor	Acibadem University
Conditions	Breastfeeding, Maternal Behavior, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Motivation
Enrollment	191 participants
Start Date	2025-09-09
Primary Completion	2026-07-30 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-07-30 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-09-30