Breastfeeding during pregnancy and tandem breastfeeding: knowledge and opinions of neonatal intensive care nurses in Turkey
International Breastfeeding Journal, cilt.21, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 21 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1186/s13006-026-00852-7
- Dergi Adı: International Breastfeeding Journal
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Neonatal intensive care unit, Neonatal nurses, Breastfeeding during pregnancy, Tandem breastfeeding, Turkey
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Breastfeeding is a unique and irreplaceable means of providing optimal nutrition for an infant. Breastfeeding during pregnancy and tandem breastfeeding are among the important factors that influence mothers’ breastfeeding behaviors. Neonatal intensive care nurses play a key role in providing education and counseling to mothers, and their knowledge in this field is essential for supporting appropriate breastfeeding practices and improving maternal and infant outcomes. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and opinions of neonatal intensive care nurses regarding breastfeeding during pregnancy and tandem breastfeeding. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 290 neonatal intensive care nurses in Turkey between December 2021 and February 2022 using an online questionnaire and a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a 31-item questionnaire developed based on the literature and expert opinion and pilot-tested for clarity. The questionnaire included items on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, and opinions regarding breastfeeding during pregnancy and tandem breastfeeding. Results: Among the neonatal intensive care nurses, 53.7% were aged 25–39 years, 75.2% held a bachelor’s degree, and 39.3% had five or more years of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit experience. A total of 76.6% reported that breastfeeding during pregnancy should be continued, and 75.5% stated that mothers should be supported during this process. A total of 55.9% reported knowing the concept of tandem breastfeeding, and 66.2% stated that a woman could practice tandem breastfeeding postpartum. Additionally, 44.8% reported that tandem breastfeeding would not negatively affect the growth and development of the neonate, while 50.7% reported that it would not affect the older child. Significant associations were found between nurses’ knowledge and opinions and factors such as age (p = 0.013), marital status (p = 0.004), parental status (p = 0.002), number of children (p = 0.046), and professional experience (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The study found that most neonatal intensive care nurses held positive opinions regarding breastfeeding during pregnancy and tandem breastfeeding; however, their knowledge regarding tandem breastfeeding appeared to be limited, as a considerable proportion reported not knowing the concept. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational programs and the development of evidence-based guidelines to support nurses in providing effective counseling to mothers.