Analysis of Attitudes Toward Breastfeeding and Spiritual Life During Pregnancy in Türkiye: A Qualitative Study

Journal of Religion and Health https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-024-02235-w ORIGINAL PAPER Analysis of Attitudes Toward Breastfeeding and Spiritual Life During Pregnancy in Türkiye: A Qualitative Study Yeliz Dinçer1 · Şeyma Kilci Erciyas2 Accepted: 18 December 2024 © The Author(s) 2025 Abstract It is crucial for nurses to understand the meaning of spirituality, which can become more pronounced during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, and to take a supportive approach to breastfeeding attitudes during pregnancy. This study aimed to explore pregnant women’s attitudes and spiritual experiences in Türkiye regarding breastfeeding. A qualitative inductive content analysis design was employed. Seventeen pregnant women (36–39-week gestation) were admitted to a maternity hospital in Zonguldak, Türkiye. They were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews and analyzed using an inductive content analysis approach. The mean age of the participants was 27.41 years, and ten participants were primiparous. Multiparous participants had previously breastfed for a mean duration of 19.1 months. Three main themes emerged: “Breastfeeding and life,” “Spiritual life and breastfeeding,” and “Cultural synthesis.” Considering the impact of spirituality on breastfeeding during pregnancy, these findings may help nurses recognize pregnant women’s spiritual needs and value the protective role of spirituality. Understanding these dimensions could improve the quality of support provided by healthcare professionals and potentially enhance breastfeeding outcomes. Keywords Pregnancy · Qualitative research · Religion · Spirituality * Yeliz Dinçer Şeyma Kilci Erciyas 1 Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey 2 Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Amasya University, Amasya, Turkey Vol.:(0123456789) Journal of Religion and Health Introduction Breastfeeding is influenced by a wide range of physical, mental, social, and cultural factors. The initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding are closely related to the mother’s health and well-being during the prenatal period (de Argolo Cerqueira et al., 2018). Attitudes toward breastfeeding are shaped by personal beliefs, social pressures, and cultural norms (Yanıkkerem et al., 2014). Factors such as socioeconomic status, social life, employment conditions, lack of knowledge, fear, and cultural trends all play a role in determining whether a mother chooses to breastfeed (Akçay et al., 2021; Yanıkkerem et al., 2014; Yiğitbaş et al., 2012). Lactation is one of the key physiological stages of motherhood. The female breast can be viewed in multiple ways: as a nourisher of life, a symbol of sanctity, or, conversely, as a sexual object. Associations with chastity, privacy, and social norms have made breastfeeding a sensitive subject. Respect for maternal privacy is important worldwide and is particularly emphasized among Muslim mothers (Farhadi, 2020; Timurkan, 2020). Religious practices can shape knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to infant feeding. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the religious and spiritual factors that may influence breastfeeding. Spiritual aspects that can serve as motivators include the belief that breast milk has sacred qualities, as well as prayer and support from religious communities (Adepoju et al., 2019; Hirani & Ratushniak, 2022). Spirituality, representing an individual’s search for meaning, purpose, and interconnectedness, often becomes more important during sensitive periods such as pregnancy (Doğru, 2022; Heidari et al., 2015; Karataş Temiz, 2019). While spirituality was once considered synonymous with religion, it now encompasses a broader range of experiences, values, and beliefs (Çınar & Eti Aslan, 2017; Dhamani, 2014). Meeting spiritual needs is crucial during pregnancy (AdibHajbaghery et al., 2017). Religion and spirituality can help individuals find meaning in challenging life events (Mann et al., 2010; Price et al., 2007). Therefore, cultural and religious traditions may support health-promoting behaviors, including breastfeeding (Redelinghuys et al., 2014). Although some attention has been paid to religious or spiritual aspects of breastfeeding, these factors have not been extensively explored. Understanding spirituality’s influence on breastfeeding may help nurses and other healthcare professionals provide more holistic and culturally sensitive care. This study aims to evaluate breastfeeding from a spiritual perspective among pregnant women in Türkiye, contributing new insights to the literature. Methods This qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Türkiye between October 2022 and May 2023, using an inductive content analysis approach to understand pregnant women’s attitudes toward breastfeeding and their spiritual life experiences. Journal of Religion and Health The Universe and Sample of the Research Within the scope of the study, 17 primiparous and multiparous pregnant women were interviewed. Criteria for İnclusion in the Research • Having no health problems, • Not being in active labor, • Being in pregnancies over 36 weeks of gestation Exclusion Criteria for the Research • Risky pregnancies, • Pregnancies under 36 weeks, • Those in active labor The study was completed, and the sample size was terminated when the saturation point was reached. The phenomenological approach, a qualitative research pattern, aims to define the common meaning of the experiences of individuals or groups experiencing the phenomenon regarding a phenomenon or concept (Creswell, 2018). Since the research has a qualitative design, the sample size will be determined when it reaches the saturation point. The study was conducted following the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist for qualitative research (Tong et al., 2007). Data Collection Tools Data were collected using a “Personal Information Form” and a “Semi-Structured Interview Form Regarding Attitudes Towards Breastfeeding and Spiritual Life,” along with a voice recorder. Personal Information Form This form was prepared by the researchers by scanning the literature (Akcay et al., 2021; Çınar & Eti Aslan, 2017; Dhamani, 2014; Doğru, 2022; Düzgüner, 2013; Heidari et al., 2015; Karataş Temiz, 2019; Kurnaz & Uyar Hazar, 2021; Timurkan, 2020; Yiğitbaş et al., 2012). This form contained seven questions addressing age, marital status, education level, family structure, gestational week, number of pregnancies, the ages of any living children, and previous breastfeeding duration. Expert opinions were sought from five faculty members specializing in Women’s Health and Disease Nursing and Child Health and Disease Nursing to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of these questions. After considering their feedback, the final version of the questionnaire was created. Journal (...truncated)