The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises on Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy and Depression Level of Mothers With Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Study

With preterm birth, some medical and neurophysiological problems occur in the baby. The mother-father-infant interactions of these babies, who need more intensive care support after birth, are negatively affected by this process. The mother whose baby is in intensive care is separated from her baby and is worried for her life because her baby is underdeveloped and has frequent health problems. All these experiences may cause the mother to lose her maternal role. Therefore, mothers; They may experience a range of negative emotions such as sadness, mourning, fear, grief, disappointment, anger and helplessness, as well as significant psychological disturbances such as postpartum depression and anxiety disorders.

Therefore, appropriate interventions are necessary for early diagnosis and reduction of depression in the postpartum period. Stress-reducing practices such as PMR to be applied to the mother can reduce the mother's anxiety and depression levels, as well as increase breastfeeding self-efficacy. Decrease in depression and increase in breastfeeding self-efficacy will positively affect the mother's breastfeeding and contribute to the growth of the baby.

Participants and sample:

The universe of the study consisted of mothers with preterm infants of 32-36 weeks of gestation who were hospitalized in the NICU.

Sample selection criteria were determined as follows mother's having between 32-36 weeks preterm babies, mother's having enough milk to breastfeed, baby's not having an anomaly that prevents breastfeeding, baby's being fed with breast milk.