Kangaroo Care: Breastfeeding Success and Maternal Role

Purpose: This is a randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the effects of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) applied in the early postpartum period to primiparous mothers on breastfeeding success and the perception of the maternal role.

Methodology and Sample:

Setting and Period: The study will be conducted at the Bucak State Hospital Delivery Unit between June 2025 and June 2026.

Sample Size: Based on G\*Power analysis (alpha=0.05, power=80%, effect size d=0.566), a total of 112 mothers (56 intervention, 56 control) will be included, accounting for a 10% potential attrition rate. Participants will be assigned to groups using the sealed envelope method and randomization via www.random.org.

Intervention:

Experimental Group: Following routine care, the newborn will be placed in a "chest-to-chest" position on the mother's bare chest for Kangaroo Care. Intermittent KMC will be maintained for 24 hours, during which breastfeeding attempts will be supported.

Control Group: Mothers and newborns will receive only the hospital's routine care (standard skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding support).

Data Collection Tools:

Personal Information Form, Semantic Differential Scale-Myself as a Mother (to measure maternal role perception), LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (to evaluate breastfeeding success).