Discussion
anxiety
BSE
The present study investigated the effect of stress management counseling on BSE and postpartum distress during COVID-19 pandemic for the first time. Based on the results, the stress management approach had a positive effect on reducing postpartum anxiety and distress as well as BSE. Since, the mean score of postpartum anxiety and distress in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group and the mean score of BSE improved in the intervention group after the intervention. Given that the similar studies on the effect of counseling interventions on postpartum anxiety and distress and BSE during the COVID-19 pandemic were not found, other similar studies were used to compare the findings.Dol et al. [In another study, Ertekin et al. [Based on the results of the present study, counseling significantly improved the mean score of BSE, since women were more inclined to EBF. Consistent with the findings of the present study, the study results of Azizi et al. [Additionally, the findings of several studies conducted on participative counseling approach [Further, Sikander et al. [In general, the present study employed counseling based on the stress management approach, thereby breastfeeding women gain the necessary knowledge and skills regarding stressors, and consequently, reduce their anxiety and postpartum distress, and increase BSE.