Breastfeeding Research Articles

The Influence of Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy on Breastfeeding Behavior of Taiwanese Pregnant Women.

The benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants are well known. However, in Taiwan, the average breastfeeding rate remains below the World Health Organization recommendations. Breastfeeding self-efficacy is a known predictor of breastfeeding. To determine: (1) the relationship of sociodemographic factors to prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy, and (2) the relationship of sociodemographic factors and prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy to breastfeeding behavior at 8 weeks postpartum among women living in Taiwan. This was a prospective cohort study of 206 pregnant women collected in an outpatient clinic located in Taiwan. The validated Chinese version of the Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (PBSES) was used to measure self-efficacy for breastfeeding during pregnancy. At 8 weeks postpartum, participants were contacted by telephone to obtain information regarding infant feeding method and duration. The mean age of the pregnant women was 32 years, and the mean prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy score was 78.6 (SD = 10.6). Scores differed across levels of maternal education, previous breastfeeding experience, and support systems. Prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy scores were highest among participants reporting spouse support versus other types of support. Maternal age and prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy were predictive of breastfeeding duration. A 1-year increase in maternal age was associated with a 6% lower likelihood of breastfeeding for at least 2 months postpartum, and a 1-point increase in the prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy score was associated with a 14% increase in the likelihood of breastfeeding for at least 2 months postpartum. Prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy may help predict breastfeeding continuation among Taiwanese women in the first 2 months postpartum.

To study the impact of expressing breastmilk inside the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) besides a neonate, in comparison to expression outside the NICU: A quasi experimental study

Introduction: The proximity of the mother to the newborn following delivery is essential for the early initiation and establishment of exclusive breast feeding. It leads to the conditioning of the oxytocin reflex, allowing the expression of breast milk. However, preterm and sick babies are nursed in an environment away from their mothers in the NICU, thus leading to delayed initiation and inadequate expression of breast milk. Objective: To estimate the volume of breastmilk expressed close to the baby in comparison to breastmilk expressed away from her baby. Method: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in a tertiary healthcare hospital in Hyderabad over a duration of one month. Postpartum mothers of newborns delivered in this hospital and admitted to the NICU were included in the study. The enrolled mothers were shown a video and poster on manual expression of breast milk and were assisted by lactational counselors for support. The enrolled mothers initially expressed milk in the mother’s room, and an average of three expressions was taken. The next day, the mother was asked to go near the baby in the NICU and express milk in front of her baby, and the average of three feeds was determined in a similar fashion. Data analysis was done using a paired t-test. Results: A total of 30 postnatal mothers were enrolled in the study. The mean volume of breast milk expressed by the mother in the mother’s room was 9.9 ± 2.5ml and the mean volume of breast milk obtained when expressed close to her baby in the newborn care unit was 11.2 ± 2.7ml. The volume of milk expressed near the baby was significantly higher when compared to milk expressed away from the newborn (p<0.001). Conclusions: This study showed that mothers who expressed their feed near their admitted newborns in the newborn care unit had a significant increase in the volume of expressed breastmilk in comparison to expressing the milk away from their babies.

The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF): German Translation and Psychometric Assessment.

German-speaking mothers have breastfeeding rates below the international breastfeeding recommendations. Previous research has found that breastfeeding self-efficacy is an important and modifiable predictor of breastfeeding outcomes, thus improving breastfeeding rates. The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF) is used in many countries to assess maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy. This instrument has not been available in German. To translate the BSES-SF into German and assess its psychometric properties among breastfeeding mothers up to 12 weeks postpartum. This cross-sectional study was conducted online with 355 breastfeeding mothers recruited from breastfeeding groups through Facebook. The BSES-SF was translated into German using forward and back-translation. To test reliability, item-total characteristics, including Cronbach's alpha, were examined. We used principal component analysis, as well as known-groups comparisons for evaluating construct validity, and examined the relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy and demographic variables. The mean age of participants was 32.4 years (SD = 4.32). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was .88 and corrected item-total correlations ranged between .37 and .73. Principal components analysis yielded one component with factor loadings >.40 and an eigenvalue of 5.62, which explained 40% of the total variance. In addition, known group comparisons provided further evidence for construct validity. There was no significant difference in BSES-SF scores in terms of demographic and obstetrics characteristics. Our results provide evidence that the German version of the BSES-SF is a reliable and valid tool for measuring breastfeeding self-efficacy among mothers in German-speaking countries.

Breastfeeding challenges among adolescent mothers: a phenomenological study at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana

BackgroundThe natural and best approach to give newborns the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development is through breast feeding. Breastfeeding rates fall more sharply with time for mothers...

Explaining the perception and experiences of breastfeeding in mothers who have a high risk pregnancy: a protocol study

IntroductionEnhancing breastfeeding practices, even in affluent nations, significantly reduces child mortality rates. Nevertheless, three out of five newborns do not receive breastfeeding within the first hour of birth. Research indicates that under high-risk pregnancy circumstances, there may be challenges in initiating and sustaining breastfeeding. Infants born from high-risk pregnancies are particularly vulnerable to illnesses and mortality. Although breastfeeding serves as a protective measure against various infant and post-infancy ailments, many mothers encounter difficulties in commencing or maintaining breastfeeding due to complications associated with their conditions. The present study aims to illuminate the understanding and experience of breastfeeding in mothers with high-risk pregnancies, considering the cultural and social context of Iran.MethodThis study is a qualitative research utilizing a conventional content analysis approach. In this qualitative study, mothers who have undergone a high-risk pregnancy and currently have infants under 6 months old will be chosen through purposeful and snowball sampling. Their breastfeeding experiences will be gathered through individual, semi-structured, and face-to-face interviews. In addition to interviews, observation and focus groups will also be used to collect data. Data analysis was performed using Graneheim and Lundman’s method with MAXQDA software version 10, VERBI Software GmbH, Berlin. The study will utilize the criteria of Lincoln and Guba (1985) for validity and reliability.DiscussionThis qualitative study aims to investigate the experiences and challenges of breastfeeding in mothers with high-risk pregnancies to pinpoint breastfeeding barriers in this demographic and develop essential interventions and strategies to address these obstacles.

Efektifitas Edukasi Berbasis Family Centered Maternity Care terhadap Dukungan Keluarga dan Self Efficacy pada Ibu Postpartum dalam Pemberian Asi

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of family centered maternity care-based education on family support and self-efficacy for postpartum mothers in breastfeeding. The method used is quantitative research with a quasi-experimental design with a pretest and posttest design with a control group. The sample in this study consisted of 52 respondents. The research instrument used a family support questionnaire modified from Nasution's family support questionnaire (2007) and a self-efficacy instrument using the Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF). Data analysis used the Paired T-Test and Independent T-Test. The results of research on the effectiveness of interventions on family support, P-Value 0.000 and self-efficacy 0.004. The conclusion is that education based on Family Centered Maternity Care is effective in increasing family support and self-efficacy for postpartum mothers in breastfeeding. Keywords: Education, Family Support, Family Centered Maternity Care, Self efficacy

Maternal depression, psychosocial stress and race/ethnicity: examining barriers to breastfeeding for young mothers

ABSTRACT Background Breastfeeding has a positive impact on child and maternal health outcomes. Black and Latina women and adolescent mothers have lower rates of breastfeeding initiation and continuance in the U.S. Maternal depression and psychosocial stressors may contribute to reduced rates of breastfeeding. The current study aims to better understand behaviours and associated factors related to breastfeeding in a diverse group of adolescent mothers attending a teen-tot clinic for postpartum and infant well care. Methods Participants were 191 mother-infant dyads. Mother’s age ranged from 13 to 25, and 54% of mothers identified as Latina, 22% Black, 11% more than one race and 5% white. Demographic information and breastfeeding behaviour were abstracted from the medical record. Rates of postpartum mood/anxiety symptoms and psychosocial stressors were obtained from screening measures completed at medical visits. Results Analyses revealed that 87% of adolescent mothers in the sample initiated breastfeeding at birth and the racial/ethnic breakdown of those mothers closely mirrored the overall population (58% Hispanic or Latina, 17% Black, 10% more than one race, 5% white). At 2 months postpartum, only 41% of the population was still breastfeeding. Mothers with significant mood/anxiety symptoms at the newborn visit were more likely to be breastfeeding at the 1- and 2-month visits. Mothers with psychosocial stressors at the newborn visit were less likely to be breastfeeding at the 1- and 2-month visits. Conclusion Efforts to promote health equity through breastfeeding for at-risk mothers must occur within the first few weeks postpartum and must consider associated factors including postpartum mood/anxiety symptoms and psychosocial stressors.

Maternal and child health intervention to promote behaviour change: a population-level cluster-randomised controlled trial in Honduras

ObjectivesTo assess the efficacy of a sustained educational intervention to affect diverse outcomes across the pregnancy and infancy timeline.SettingA multi-arm cluster-randomised controlled trial in 99 villages in Honduras’ Copán region,...

Motherhood, wet-nursing and nation: nineteenth-century Brazilian medical perspectives

This paper explores the viewpoints of nineteenth-century Brazilian physicians regarding women’s roles as the ‘propagators of the race’. It emphasises their perspectives on reproduction, breast feeding, and the involvement of...

Impact of baby-friendly hospital initiative on exclusive breastfeeding rates and mother satisfaction

BackgroundBreastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both babies and mothers. Exclusive Breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months of life was encouraged by the World Health Organisation through employing the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. AimsThe study aimed to investigate the impact of this Initiative on maternal satisfaction and exclusive breastfeeding rates. Methodsin this retrospective study 160 participants were divided into group one who experienced the Initiative and group two who did not. Exclusive breastfeeding was measured using the Index of Breastfeeding Status. Maternal satisfaction was measured using the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale. ResultsThe results revealed a significant difference in maternal satisfaction between the two groups (p < 0.05). Fisher's exact test indicated a significant association between experiencing the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and exclusive breastfeeding rates (p < 0.001). ConclusionThe findings underscored the role of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in promoting exclusive breastfeeding and enhancing maternal satisfaction.

Effects of a Traditional Feeding Practice on the Nutritional Status of Mothers and Children: A Case Study of Selected Breastfeeding Mothers and Their Children from Biu LGA of Borno State, Nigeria

Effects of a Traditional Feeding Practice on the Nutritional Status of Mothers and Children: A Case Study of Selected Breastfeeding Mothers and Their Children from Biu LGA of Borno State, Nigeria

Prevalence and determinants of suspected developmental delays among 12-month-old children in northeast of Iran: a large-scale population-based study

BackgroundEarly identification of suspected developmental delays (SDDs) is crucial for planning early interventions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SDDs and the associated determinants in children aged 12...

Knowledge and Attitude on Initiation and Establishment of Breast Feeding Among Primi Mothers

Introduction: The best nourishment for an infant's growth and development is human milk. Breastfeeding lowers infant mortality and morbidity, especially from infections like pneumonia, neonatal sepsis, and diarrhoea. First-time mothers, play a crucial role in nurturing their newborns, and knowledge about breastfeeding is paramount for several reasons. Every primi gravida mothers should know about breast feeding for the well being of their babies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate primi mothers' knowledge and attitudes regarding the initiation and establishment of breastfeeding.  Methods: In this study, a survey approach &amp; descriptive correlational research design was used. Using purposive sampling technique, 100 primi mothers who were between 34-38 weeks of gestation were selected in a tertiary care center, Chennai. Pre tested tools such as background variable proforma, structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge and modified Iowa Infant feeding scale to assess the attitude on breast feeding were used to collect the data.  Results: The study findings revealed that majority of the mothers were in the category of needs improvement (76%). Majority of the mothers had positive attitude towards initiation and establishment of breast feeding (85%).

Food intake of breastfeeding mothers versus protein content of breastmilk in the coastal area of Bengkulu, Indonesia.

Maternal intake has a role in the composition of nutritional content, especially breast milk protein, but is rarely studied in fish producing areas (coastal). This study aimed to assess protein concentrations in human milk and evaluate their changes according to diet. The type of study was analytical observation, cross-sectional research design with a total sample of 50 from 313 breastfeeding mothers of infants 0-6 months domiciled at the Padang Serai Health Center. Dietary intake is collected using the food recall form 2 x 24 hours. Breast milk is collected in the morning as much as 30 ml using an electric breast pump. T-Test Independent analyzed the data. The results showed that as many as 10% of mothers had breast milk protein content above 0.9 g/100mL, and there was a relationship between maternal age, energy, and protein with breast milk protein content. Maternal diet, especially energy and protein, affects the protein content of breast milk. It is recommended that mothers improve their daily intake through nutritionally balanced and varied foods.

The Associated Factors with Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Among Breastfeeding Women in Kalimantan Utara

Exclusive breastfeeding is important for the quality of children's health. Nevertheless, the proportion of exclusive breastfeeding at the Malinau City Health Center stands at a mere 45.6 percent, falling short of the 50 percent benchmark set by the World Health Organization (WHO). nursing self-efficacy is a significant element that affects nursing behavior. This study aims to determine the factors related to breastfeeding self-efficacy. This study was cross-sectional, with a sample of 147 mothers obtained by purposive sampling. Breastfeeding Self Efficacy (BSE) is measured using the Breastfeeding Self Efficacy Short-Form. Data was analyzed using the Chi-Square test. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between breastfeeding problems (p-value equals 0.001), family support (p-value equals 0.001), and health worker support (p-value equals 0.001) with breastfeeding self-efficacy. It is concluded that breastfeeding problems, family support, and health worker support were factors related to breastfeeding self-efficacy in breastfeeding mothers. Therefore, health workers and families are expected to support mothers when they have breastfeeding problems

Counseling on The Importance of The Diction of “Side Dishes Amis-Amis” for Pregnant, Breastfeeding Women and Toddler for Preventing Bad Nutrition and Stunting in Kalisat Village, Jember District, East Java

Jember Regency ranks 8th in East Java and 11th in Indonesia for cases of malnutrition and stunting in infants. Kalisat District is among the top 5 for stunted babies in Jember. The root of the problem is not only the local economy but also the public's understanding of the term "nutrition," which is not yet reflected in daily life. Therefore, counseling on understanding the word nutrition, replaced with "amis-amis or mis-amis" for various high-protein side dishes, is essential. The young mothers in Jember had poor understanding and very low reflection on the term nutrition, contributing to malnutrition and stunting in Kalisat Village, Kalisat District. The solution is to conduct counseling and practical sessions on the importance of understanding the term "fishy side dishes" that are high in animal protein for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to enhance brain and physical growth (fetal) and avoid malnutrition and stunting. The methods of implementation include observation, interviews (in FGD), counseling, and practical sessions in Kalisat Village, Jember. The results show that community service involving counseling or socialization of the understanding of the word nutrition, implemented through the replacement of the term with "fishy side dishes," is more effective. This approach includes FGD, counseling, and practical sessions of cooking and eating together using high-protein fishy side dishes. These methods are aimed at improving growth and development in children (from the womb, during breastfeeding, and in toddlers) to prevent malnutrition and stunting.

Contextualizing post day-one childhood immunization in-take drop-off rate in Nigeria: An assessment of working mothers in Ibadan

Background Contextualizing childhood immunization in the context of working mothers can boost coverage and completion. This study examines how informal working mothers perceive post-day-one routine immunization, and vaccines not covered under the National Program on Immunization (NPI), immunization schedules, timing, and duration. Methods The study was conducted in Ibadan, Nigeria and involved 1,044 quantitative and 73 qualitative samples of working nursing mothers. A mixed methods approach was used, including a semi-structured questionnaire to gather immunization experiences. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test for proportions, and t-test for means (p&lt;0.05), while qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. Results The average age of mothers participating in this study was 31.39 years. The mean age of mothers at their first childbirth within the study group was 24.12 years. A significant majority of these mothers (95%) are married. Around three-quarters of women in this population ensured immediate immunization for their infants after birth, but less than a third achieved the complete age-specific vaccination series due to livelihood related causes, long waiting time spent in conventional immunization clinic. Around 40% of interviewed mothers vaccinated their children up to the third DPT dose, and just over 30% achieved full vaccination. Many informal working mothers, have concerning practice of adding 'supplements' to their children's immunization, driven by a lack of sufficient information about the vaccines. Some mothers also seemed unaware of these specialized vaccines. Conclusions Promoting complete immunization requires more than just raising awareness about childhood vaccinations but close and quick immunization service delivery is required. It is crucial for mothers to possess comprehensive knowledge about the mechanics and operation of immunization. Achieving this understanding could involve translating vaccine names and functions into indigenous terms, enhancing clarity and comprehension. Furthermore, a firm grasp of the immunization schedule significantly contributes to successful immunization completion.

PENGUATAN PERAN IBU MENYUSUI DALAM UPAYA PENINGKATAN PRODUKSI ASI DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN TEKNIK HYPNOBREASTFEEDING

Mother's milk (ASI) contains high nutrients which are very beneficial for the baby's health. Mother's milk is the only perfect and best food for babies because it contains the nutritional elements needed by babies for the baby's growth and development in order to achieve optimal baby growth and development. Knowledge and experience regarding good and correct breastfeeding will support successful lactation. Positive attitudes that can support successful lactation include mothers immediately breastfeeding their babies within 30-50 minutes of giving birth, not wasting colostrum and using it well, breastfeeding exclusively and getting enough rest. The aim of this community service is to provide health education to breastfeeding mothers about efforts to increase breast milk production through Hypnobreastfeeding techniques. The activity participants in this service were breastfeeding mothers and cadres totaling 21 people. From the results of this community service, it is known that there is an increase in the knowledge and skills of breastfeeding mothers regarding efforts to increase breast milk production through the Hypnobreastfeeding technique. The media used in this service is booklets. It is hoped that good understanding and skills regarding efforts to increase breast milk production can increase the coverage of exclusive breastfeeding.

PEMETAAN UPAYA PENINGKATAN PRODUKSI ASI IBU NIFAS BERBASIS ASUHAN KOMPLEMENTER : STUDI DESKRIPTIF

Efforts to increase milk production can be done by pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. Non-pharmacological methods used to increase milk production are known as complementary care. The purpose of this study was to determine the crisis of increasing milk production in postpartum mothers based on complementary orphanages. This type of research is quantitative with a descriptive approach, the sampling technique is using an accidental sample. Data collection used a questionnaire which was distributed via google form, with 89 breastfeeding mothers as respondents. Results of the study Efforts to Increase Breast Milk Production for Postpartum Mothers were dominated by consuming vegetables every day as many as 86 people (96.6%), the results of the study most respondents did not consume dates 3 days every day as many as 65 people (75.0%), did not consume whole grains (almonds, cashew, edamame etc.) at most 56 people (62.9%), did not consume milk as many as 53 people (59.6%) and the least who consumed milk 36 people (40.4%), ASI Facilitator Capsules, the most postpartum mothers consume capsules 48 people (53.9%) increased breastfeeding, postpartum mothers consumed 74 people (83.1%) breastfeeding facilitating herbal medicine, consumed Chinese medicine, most postpartum mothers did not consume Chinese medicine for milk production, 84 people (94.4%) massaged the breasts for increased milk production by 46 people (51.7%), acupressure, most postpartum mothers did not do acupressure to increase milk production by 78 people (87.6%), acupuncture, most postpartum mothers did did not do acupressure to increase milk production as many as 84 people (94.4%).

Women’s memory of episiotomy experience from 2 months to 2 years after birth in Orlu Imo State

Episiotomy procedures are defined based on the millimetre distance from the incision point to the posterior fourchette and the angle in degrees from the sagittal or parasagittal plane. This study examined Women's Memory of Episiotomy Experience from 2 Months to 2 Years after Birth in Orlu of Imo State. The study employed a qualitative survey design with four research questions. The sample size of 57 participants was selected, convenience sampling technique was used to select the respondents, the respondent were thus; women who underwent episiotomy 25, Midwives 8, family members 24. Data were collected using one on-one interview, via recordings. Data was analysed using percentages, barcharts and content analysis approach and thematic categorization. The results revealed 60% of the respondents come from low socioeconomic background. The study further revealed that; the challenges women experience within 2 months to 2 years as result of episiotomy were pain, inability to breast feed; due to inability to sit well, inability to walk freely, the perceived impact of episiotomy on women within the first 2 months to 2 years after birth were inability to have sex as usual. In conclusion, women were inadequately informed and not psychologically prepared for episiotomy, the respondent’s experienced untoward effect after the procedure which included: pain, and interference with daily life activities. Therefore, the study recommends that healthcare providers, especially midwives, to seek alternatives to routine use of episiotomy, and consider selective episiotomy practices based on individual patient need and thus educate pregnant mothers on perineal massage using recommended oil.