Compassion-Based Breastfeeding Counseling and Its Effects on Self-Compassion, Mindful Breastfeeding, and Self-Efficacy

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of compassion-based breastfeeding counseling on self-compassion, mindful breastfeeding, and breastfeeding self-efficacy during the perinatal period. Pregnant women between 24-28 weeks of gestation who meet the eligibility criteria are enrolled. After obtaining informed consent, participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group using simple randomization. The intervention group receives a total of 6 face-to-face compassion-based breastfeeding counseling sessions between 30-37 weeks of gestation, with follow-up counseling continued until 6 weeks postpartum. The control group receives only routine antenatal care with no additional intervention. Outcome measures are assessed at three time points: pretest (24-28 weeks of gestation), posttest (36-38 weeks of gestation), and follow-up (6 weeks postpartum). Instruments used include the Self-Compassion Scale, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, and the Mindful Breastfeeding Scale. The study is conducted at Iğdır Dr. Nevruz Erez State Hospital, Türkiye.