Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this research is to examine the impact of women’s experience with normal delivery on breastfeeding. Methods: The study is of cross-sectional descriptive design. The study sample consisted of women (n: 367) who matched the study criteria, were patients in the maternity ward of a state hospital during the period April 3, 2017 - October 2, 2017 after normal delivery and had consented to participate in the research. Results: The breastfeeding techniques of participants who had 3-4 children, received support during breastfeeding and believed that their breasts had been sufficiently emptied during the breastfeeding were more successful (p<.05). Participants who experienced a moderate fear of childbirth had a more positive attitude toward breastfeeding compared to those who had a high or clinical level of fear of childbirth (p<.05). The breastfeeding techniques of those with moderate and clinical-level fear of childbirth were more successful that of women who had a high level of fear of childbirth (p<.05). Conclusion: It was found that women who had experienced normal delivery had a higher level of fear of childbirth and this had a negative impact on their breastfeeding.