Breastfeeding Confidence Research Articles

The Influence of Adolescent Mothers' Breastfeeding Confidence and Attitudes on Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration

A prospective correlational study was conducted to examine the influence of adolescent mothers' breastfeeding attitudes and confidence on breastfeeding initiation and duration. A convenience sample of 100 pregnant adolescents who were contemplating breastfeeding completed the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF) and the Breastfeeding Attitude Questionnaire (BAQ). The BSES-SF was readministered during the first week postpartum to those adolescents who initiated breastfeeding (n=84). Adolescents who were breastfeeding at the initial contact received a follow-up contact at 4 weeks postpartum. Comparisons were made between those adolescent mothers who initiated breastfeeding (n=84) and those who did not (n=16). Significantly more mothers with higher prenatal attitude scores initiated breastfeeding. Mothers with higher prenatal breastfeeding attitude scores and higher prenatal and postnatal confidence scores were more likely to continue breastfeeding to 4 weeks postpartum. Health professionals are encouraged to develop strategies to enhance breastfeeding attitudes and confidence among adolescent mothers.

The clinical study of stimulation of milk secretion by body massage combined with massage of breast point

Objective We discussed the effect of body massage combined with massage of breast point (ruzhong point and rugen point) to facilitate the milk secretion, alleviate the swelling pain of breast, recover physical strength of mother, establishment of the confidence of breast feeding and increase the success rate of breast feeding. Methods We divided 212 parturients into the test group (104 cases) and the control group (108 cases). The test group received body massage combined with massage of breast acupuncture point based upon routine postpartum nursing. The control group received routine postpartum nursing We observed the time and volume of milk secretion in the two groups. Results The time of milk secretion of the test group was ahead of that of the control group and volume of milk secretion was increased in the test group than that of the control group (P<0.01). Conclusions Body massage combined with massage of breast point (ruzhong and ruzhong point) could place the time of milk secretion ahead, increase the volume of milk secretion. Besides, it could alleviate the swelling pain of breast and ensure the success d breast feeding. Key words: Breast point; Body massage; Milk secretion

Translation and psychometric assessment of the Breast-feeding Self-Efficacy Scale—Short Form among pregnant and postnatal women in Turkey

Backgroundmost women stop breast feeding before the recommended 6 months post partum. If health professionals are to improve low breast-feeding duration and exclusivity rates, they need to assess high-risk women reliably and identify predisposing factors amenable to intervention. One possible modifiable variable is breast-feeding confidence. The Breast-feeding Self-Efficacy Scale—Short Form (BSES-SF) is a 14-item measure designed to assess a mother's confidence in her ability to breast feed her baby. Objectivesto translate the BSES-SF into Turkish and assess its psychometric properties among women in the antenatal and postnatal periods. Designa methodological study to assess the reliability, validity and predictive value of the BSES-SF. Settingtwo private and two public hospitals and their outpatient health clinics in Izmir, Turkey. Participants144 pregnant women and 150 postnatal breast-feeding mothers were recruited using convenience sampling. Methodsfollowing back-translation procedures, questionnaires were completed in the third trimester by pregnant women and in the hospital by postnatal women. All mothers were telephoned at approximately 12 weeks after the birth to determine how they were feeding their babies. ResultsCronbach's alpha coefficient for internal consistency was 0.87 antenatally and 0.86 postnatally. Antenatal and postnatal BSES-SF scores were significant predictors of breast-feeding duration and exclusivity at 12 weeks after the birth. Differences were found between antenatal and postnatal BSES-SF scores for mothers with previous breast-feeding experience compared with scores for mothers with no breast-feeding experience. Demographic response patterns suggest that the BSES-SF is a unique tool to identify pregnant women and new mothers at risk of early cessation of breast feeding. Conclusionsthis study provides evidence that the translated version of the BSES-SF may be a valid and reliable measure of breast-feeding self-efficacy among a perinatal sample in Turkey.

The reliability and validity of the Polish version of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form: Translation and psychometric assessment

Background The majority of women discontinue breastfeeding before the recommended 6 months postpartum. If health professionals are to improve low breastfeeding duration and exclusivity rates, they need to reliably assess high-risk women and identify predisposing factors that are amenable to intervention. One possible modifiable variable is breastfeeding confidence. The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Short Form (BSES-SF) is a 14-item measure designed to assess a mother's confidence in her ability to breastfeed her baby. Objectives To translate the BSES-SF into Polish and assess its psychometric properties among breastfeeding mothers. Design Methodological study. Setting Five hospitals in Lodz Poland. Participants Using convenience sampling, 105 in-hospital breastfeeding mothers were recruited. Methods Following back-translation procedures, mothers completed questionnaires in-hospital and at 8 and 16 weeks postpartum. Results The Cronbach's α coefficient for internal consistency was 0.89. In-hospital BSES-SF scores significantly predicted breastfeeding duration and exclusivity at 8 and 16 weeks postpartum. Demographic response patterns suggested the BSES-SF is a unique tool to identify breastfeeding mothers at risk of prematurely discontinuing. Conclusions This study provides evidence that the translated version of the BSES-SF may be a valid and reliable measure of breastfeeding self-efficacy among a sample of mothers in Lodz Poland.

Factors influencing breastfeeding practices and postponement of solid food to prevent allergic disease in high-risk children: results from an explorative study

This paper presents results of seven focus group interviews conducted to gain insight into the feelings, opinions and perceived barriers of parents with a history of asthma who have recently delivered a child. The parents participated in an educational program regarding breastfeeding and postponement of solid food to prevent their child from developing allergic symptoms. Breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months seemed an advice difficult to follow. The most important influencing factors regarding initiation and continuation of breastfeeding were health advantages for the baby, bonding, social support, modelling, knowledge about all the aspects of breastfeeding and breastfeeding confidence. In general, parents adhered to the advice to postpone solid food until the child had reached the age of 6 years. The few obstacles revealed were social pressure, hungry babies and eagerness of parents to give solid food.

The influence of psychosocial factors on the duration of breastfeeding.

A study was undertaken to examine to what extent psychosocial factors are related to the length of breastfeeding. A cohort of Danish mothers giving birth to a single child was followed up for four months. Information on mother and baby including psychosocial variables was obtained from a self-report questionnaire. Breastfeeding status was subsequently monitored by a health visitor. A total of 471 (88%) mothers participated, 98.7 % initiated breastfeeding and after four months 277 (59%) were still exclusive breastfeeding; 99 mothers, 51% of those who stopped, stopped within the first five weeks. In Cox regression analyses the duration of breastfeeding showed a positive association with mother's schooling (p=0.002), her intention to breastfeed (p=0.001), previous experience with breastfeeding (p<0.001), self-efficacy with respect to breastfeeding (p<0.001), her confidence in breastfeeding (p=0.012) and knowledge about breastfeeding (p=0.001). The effect of the mother's knowledge depended on the parity of the child. Among primiparous mothers high knowledge was associated with long duration of breastfeeding, but this association was not found among the multiparous. To help the mothers who would like to breastfeed their baby, we must improve our ability to identify mothers at risk of early cessation. Mother's schooling, her intention, self-efficacy and earlier breastfeeding experience can be used as early predictors. An intervention should aim at improving the self-efficacy and resources of these mothers, with a focus on practical knowledge. The first five weeks, when the largest proportion of the cessations occurred, require special attention.

Breastfeeding Knowledge, Breastfeeding Confidence, and Infant Feeding Plans: Effects on Actual Feeding Practices

To explore relationships among breastfeeding knowledge, breastfeeding confidence, and infant feeding plans and their effects on feeding practices in first-time breastfeeding mothers. Prospective descriptive design. Telephone interviews were conducted prenatally and at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postpartum. Seventy-four of 83 first-time mothers with prenatal intentions to breastfeed completed all study requirements. The majority were White (95%), between the ages of 21 and 30 years (73%), with a post-high school education (85%), and household incomes of more than 200% of the federal poverty guideline (88%). Breastfeeding knowledge, breastfeeding confidence, planned infant feeding method, planned breastfeeding duration, weeks of daily human milk substitute feeding, breastfeeding duration, achievement of breastfeeding goals. Breastfeeding knowledge was strongly correlated with breastfeeding confidence (r = .262; p = .025) and actual lactation duration (r = .455; p = .0001). Compared with women planning to exclusively breastfeed their infants, those planning to combination feed planned shorter breastfeeding duration (p = .022), reported shorter actual duration (p = .004), and were less likely to meet their breastfeeding goal (p = .034). The variables maternal education, breastfeeding knowledge, and weeks of daily human milk substitute feeding were used to develop a prediction equation that correctly categorized 93% of participants who met their breastfeeding goal and 90% of those who did not. Expectations and the actual breastfeeding experience differed among women planning to combination feed and those planning to exclusively breastfeed. Whether a cause or consequence, daily human milk substitute feeding was associated with negative breastfeeding outcomes.

Effect of maternal confidence on breastfeeding duration: an application of breastfeeding self-efficacy theory.

Although much research has focused on identifying factors that influence breastfeeding initiation and duration, many high-risk factors are nonmodifiable demographic variables. Predisposing factors for low breastfeeding duration rates that are amenable to supportive interventions should be identified. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of maternal confidence (breastfeeding self-efficacy) on breastfeeding duration. A prospective survey was conducted with 300 women in the last trimester of pregnancy recruited from the antenatal clinic of a large metropolitan hospital in Brisbane, Australia. Telephone interviews were conducted at 1 week and 4 months postpartum to assess infant feeding methods and breastfeeding confidence using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale. Although 92 percent of participants initiated breastfeeding, by 4 months postpartum almost 40 percent discontinued and only 28.6 percent were breastfeeding exclusively; the most common reason for discontinuation was insufficient milk supply. Antenatal and 1-week Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale scores were significantly related to breastfeeding outcomes at 1 week and 4 months. Mothers with high breastfeeding self-efficacy were significantly more likely to be breastfeeding, and doing so exclusively, at 1 week and 4 months postpartum than mothers with low breastfeeding self-efficacy. Maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy is a significant predictor of breastfeeding duration and level. Integrating self-efficacy enhancing strategies may improve the quality of healthcare that healthcare professionals deliver and may increase a new mother's confidence in her ability to breastfeed, and to persevere if she does encounter difficulties.

Breastfeeding Encouragement and Support of Health Professionals in the Hospitals

The purpose of this study was to investigate encouragement experience on breastfeeding of health professionals, and the support in their hospitals on breastfeeding.A questionnaire on breastfeeding was administered to the obstetricians. pediatricians and nurses at the department of pediatrics or obstetrics of university hospital and private hospital in Seoul and Choong-Chung Province in South Korea. Total numbers of study subjects were 346 (pediatrician 67, obstetrician 41, nurse 238).Data was statistically analyzed according to descriptive statistics. Chi-square test and multivariant analysis.The results were as follows: 1. Most of the respondents (93. 6%) had a knowledge regarding breastfeeding which had more advantage than formula-feeding. But their experience to educate the mother about breastfeeding was very limited(34.8%). The major problems were insufficient concern of healthcare professionals. no trained personnels and lack of education programs on breastfeeding.2. Most of the respondents(82%) had learned breastfeeding management in class at the university. But 2/3 of them had not been educated on breastfeeding management after graduation.3. More than half of the hospitals had no breastfeeding education programs. And they recommended the formula-feeding to the mothers.4. Seventy percent of the respondents recognized that breastfeeding information offered to the mothers in their hospitals might help to increase the rate of breastfeeding. But only 40% of hospital had offered breastfeeding information using pamphlets or brochures.In our study, a majority of respondents had not been educated on breastfeeding after graduation. A personal experience in breastfeeding is known predictor of confidence in breastfeeding. Educational programs may have an effect to change the health professionals behavior. Therefore, it is necessary to assist health professionals in obtaining more knowledge about breastfeeding. Continuing education programs to health professionals should be offered by nation and regional organization.

Determinants of breastfeeding in four Canadian Ojibwa communities: A decision-making model.

A prospective cohort study was conducted to determine the patterns of breastfeeding and factors associated with breastfeeding choice and duration among Canadian Aboriginal (Ojibwa) women from third trimester to 12 weeks postpartum. The survey included demographic, obstetric and infant feeding information, measures of "breastfeeding beliefs," "breastfeeding confidence," and "referent support." Thirty-six Treaty-status women, living in or near four Manitoba First Nations communities, were interviewed prenatally and subsequently gave birth to a live infant between December 1993 and June 1994. Demographic, obstetric and infant feeding information from 20 women who missed the prenatal interview were obtained retrospectively. The overall response rate was 98% of eligible women. Outcome measures included initiation and duration of breastfeeding. Explanatory variables included factors associated with breastfeeding initiation/duration, based on a revision of the Ajzen and Fishbein (1980) decision-making model. Breastfeeding rates were 57% (initiated), 44% (week 1), 32% (week 4), and 18% (week 12). The decision-making model demonstrated construct validity for breastfeeding choice. Multivariate modelling indicated "prenatal intent" and "breastfeeding confidence" as best predictors of breastfeeding choice. Best predictors of duration were "satisfaction with breastfeeding at 2 weeks" and "postpartum referent scores." "Satisfaction" was negatively correlated with the number of verbalized problems. Reasons for weaning included "insufficient milk" and "soreness." Community intervention programs could focus on breastfeeding beliefs, confidence and referent support, and decrease early weaning by screening for preventable problems. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 9:579-593, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Factors Associated with Perceived Insufficient Milk in a Low-Income Urban Population in Mexico

Survival analysis and logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with the onset of perceived insufficient milk among 165 healthy mothers who planned to breast-feed and gave birth by vaginal delivery, without complications, to a healthy term infant in either a nursery (n = 58) or a rooming-in-hospital where formula supplementation was not allowed (n = 107). Women were interviewed in the hospital and at 1 wk, 2 mo and 4 mo postpartum. Women from both hospitals were similar in socioeconomic, demographic, anthropometric, previous infant feeding experience and prenatal care variables. Eighty percent of the women reported perceived insufficient milk at some point during the study. The cue interpreted most often as indicating insufficient milk was the crying of the infant. Multivariate analyses indicated that lack of confidence in breast-feeding, delayed onset of milk production, maternal education, multiparity, sore nipples, early introduction of formula to the previous child and mother breast-fed as a child were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with perceived insufficient milk. Among women who reported perceived insufficient milk before 1 wk, breast-feeding confidence and maternal education interacted with the hospital in which they delivered.