Akdag Topal, CansuMert Karadas, MerveKarakurt, IremBoztepe, Handan2026-02-052026-02-0520261359-10531461-727710.1177/135910532514016892-s2.0-105025801661https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053251401689https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14411/11097Mert-Karadas, Merve/0000-0002-9171-3035; Akdag Topal, Cansu/0000-0002-1851-1728Postpartum depression (PPD) may adversely affect breastfeeding self-efficacy, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study explored whether self-compassion mediates the relationship between PPD and breastfeeding self-efficacy among Turkish women. An expert model was developed based on validated scales: the Self-Compassion Scale, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, and the Postnatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form. In this cross-sectional study, 236 women (mean age: 28.71, SD = 6.16) were surveyed. Results showed that depression was negatively associated with self-compassion (beta = -0.474, p < 0.001), and self-compassion was positively associated with breastfeeding self-efficacy (beta = 0.785, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis indicated that self-compassion partially mediated the link between PPD and breastfeeding self-efficacy, with a significant indirect effect (-0.586, -0.209). Depression also had a direct negative effect on breastfeeding self-efficacy (beta = -0.484, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that fostering self-compassion may enhance maternal mental health and breastfeeding outcomes.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessBreastfeeding Self-EfficacySelf-CompassionPostpartum DepressionPostpartum PeriodNursing CareArticle