Does Functionality Appreciation Mediate the Relationship Between Breastfeeding Attitudes and Breastfeeding Intentions?

Background: This study aimed to contribute to the growing empirical interest in the role of positive body image in the context of breastfeeding. Research Aim: We examined the association between positive attitudes toward breastfeeding and breastfeeding intentions among postpartum women and investigated the mediation of functionality appreciation. Method: A total of 305 women who had given birth within the past 1 to 3 months (M = 34.11 years) participated in the study. Women completed a questionnaire assessing breastfeeding attitudes, appreciation of breastfeeding functionality, breastfeeding intentions, previous breastfeeding experience, as well as Body Mass Index and sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics. A mediation model was used to examine direct and indirect associations between attitudes toward breastfeeding, breastfeeding intentions, and functionality appreciation. Results: Results showed significant associations between positive attitudes towards breastfeeding, breastfeeding intentions, and functionality appreciation. Positive attitudes toward breastfeeding were positively associated with breastfeeding intentions (β = 0.63, p < 0.001) and with functionality appreciation (β = 0.51, p < 0.001), with functionality appreciation accounting for a significant indirect association (β = 0.21, 95% CI [0.14, 0.29]). Finally, previous breastfeeding experience was positively associated with breastfeeding intentions (β = 0.15, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study marks the initial attempt to examine the significance of functionality appreciation in postpartum women, highlighting potential associations between breastfeeding attitudes and breastfeeding intentions. These findings may offer preliminary insights for future research and for informing the development of targeted interventions, although further evidence from more diverse populations is needed.