Low Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Research Articles

Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex: Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Its Association with Depression Scores and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy.

Background: Dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER) is a phenomenon that occurs before milk letdown and is described as a wave of negative or devastating emotions, ranging from mild to severe and lasting for seconds to minutes. To date, there has been little research regarding this phenomenon. This study aims to determine the prevalence of D-MER in our population as well as its association with postnatal depression scores and breastfeeding self-efficacy. Methods: Lactating persons between 4 and 12 weeks postpartum at our institution were invited to complete an anonymous 59-question survey via an online platform. Questions asked included patient demographics, presence of symptoms of dysphoria (including timing, duration, and frequency), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Short Form (BSES-sf). Results: In total, 201 women completed the survey. Twelve women were classified as likely having D-MER (6%). Symptom resolution primarily occurred within a minute to 5 minutes (58%). Mean EPDS scores differed significantly between those with likely D-MER and those without (12.2 vs. 5.4, p = 0.002). BSES-sf scores differed significantly between the two groups (43.1 vs. 52.5, p = 0.009). Preexisting depression or anxiety was not associated with D-MER (p = 0.133), other reported mood disorders differed significantly between those with D-MER and those without (p = 0.004). Demographic characteristics of women with and without D-MER were similar. Conclusion: D-MER prevalence may be lower than previously reported. Patients with likely D-MER appear to have lower breastfeeding self-efficacy and higher depression scores. Those with preexisting mood disorders may be at higher risk of experiencing D-MER.

Caffeinated non-alcoholic beverages on the postpartum mental health related to the COVID-19 pandemic by a cross-sectional study in Argentina.

This work aimed to study postpartum mental outcomes and determinants of the intake of caffeinated beverages during the pandemic in women from Argentina. This cross-sectional study recruited 619 women who responded to online self-report questionnaires during the first and second waves of COVID-19, including validated instruments (Insomnia Severity Index, Perceived Stress Scale, Postpartum Depression Screening Scale, Memory Complaint Scale, and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale), and general data. Intake frequency and amount of caffeinated beverages were estimated. Multivariate regression and structural equation models identified associations and effects (p<0.05). Women were under social restrictions for 60.39 days, with home and essential activities increasing caffeinated intake. They ingested (mL/d): yerba mate (1457.71), coffee (66.85), tea (67.61), and soft drinks (50.95), which provided 646.20mg/d of caffeine. Intakes of coffee and yerba mate were higher than pre-pandemic ones. Coffee was positively associated with stress and insomnia, and indirectly linked to higher levels of depression and memory complaints, and lower breastfeeding self-efficacy. Tea showed a similar but weaker association. Yerba mate correlated inversely with depression (through direct pathways), insomnia, and memory complaints (through indirect pathways), promoting breastfeeding self-efficacy. Soft drinks and caffeine did not present significant associations. Although findings do not imply causation, results suggest that beverages would exhibit caffeine-independent affective and cognitive roles, which might be anxiogenic in the case of coffee and tea (to a lesser extent). Yerba mate showed antidepressant potential. Given that breastfeeding might be compromised during the pandemic, yerba mate intake is promissory to protect postpartum mental health.

Effects of the experience of breastfeeding-friendly practices and breastfeeding intention and self-efficacy on breastfeeding behavior: a cohort study in Taiwan

BackgroundApproximately 80% of births in Taiwan occurred in Baby-Friendly accredited facilities, although the trend of exclusively breastfeeding infants until 6 months of age has stagnated in the last ten years. To guide breastfeeding promotion interventions during postnatal stays and encourage mothers to continue breastfeeding for the first 6 months, factors associated with breastfeeding behaviors to 6 months post-delivery must be investigated. This study explored the relationships among breastfeeding intention, experience of breastfeeding-friendly practices, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and breastfeeding behavior at four and 6 months after childbirth.MethodsIn this longitudinal cohort study, women who gave birth to healthy newborns at two Baby-Friendly hospitals in Taiwan and who had initiated breastfeeding were recruited two to 4 days after giving birth. Data were collected three to 5 days after childbirth during hospitalization and at one, two, four, and 6 months after childbirth using a self-developed questionnaire to measure breastfeeding intention and the experience of breastfeeding-friendly practices, and the traditional Chinese version of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form to measure self-efficacy.ResultsA total of 155 women completed the questionnaires five times within 6 months. The determinants of exclusive breastfeeding at 4 months and any breastfeeding at 6 months were the intention to breastfeed for over 6 months; a higher score for the experience of breastfeeding-friendly practices; and a higher level of breastfeeding self-efficacy during that period. The experience of breastfeeding-friendly practices during hospitalization did not predict breastfeeding behavior at 4 and 6 months. Intending to breastfeed for less than 4 months and lower breastfeeding self-efficacy during the hospital stay were both associated with shorter breastfeeding durations of less than 6 months after childbirth.ConclusionsLonger intended duration of breastfeeding, sustaining breastfeeding-friendly practices after discharge, and maintenance of a higher level of breastfeeding self-efficacy were the determinants of breastfeeding at 4 and 6 months. Healthcare professionals in Taiwan must support breastfeeding-friendly practices and consider interactive interventions to promote continued breastfeeding at different stages during the first 6 months after childbirth on the basis of the mother’s breastfeeding plan and breastfeeding self-efficacy during their postnatal hospitalization.

Traumatic Birth Experience with Cesarean Section and Breastfeeding Outcomes

Introduction A perinatal factor that appears to be highly correlated with postpartum PTSD is breastfeeding. There are several researchers who have studied the traumatic experience of birth and its impact on breastfeeding. More specifically, Türkmen in 2020 [1] reported a high correlation between Post Traumatic Stres Disorder (PTSD), traumatic perception of childbirth and low breastfeeding self-efficacy. According to the authors, the most important reason for low breastfeeding rates in PTSD postpartum women is the increased cortisol secretion, which suppresses oxytocin production resulting in reduced milk production. In another recent study published in 2018 [2], it is equally argued that postpartum PTSD can negatively affect the initiation and maintenance of lactation. It is a fact that a traumatic birth experience can create difficulties in breastfeeding from the beginning, and even undermine it completely. For example, in another study, mothers who had a complicated vaginal delivery or an Emergency Cesarean Section (EMCS) were more likely to suffer from PTSD and breastfeeding difficulties [3]. A possible explanation for this phenomenon was attempted by Beck in 2011 [4], describing how breastfeeding after a traumatic birth experience can trigger flashbacks to the traumatic birth and ultimately act as a deterrent to breastfeeding in the mother trying to avoid mental pain.

The Association Between Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy and Mode of Infant Feeding.

Introduction: It is well established that low breastfeeding self-efficacy is associated with early breastfeeding cessation. Over the past several decades, expressed human milk feeding has increased among parents of healthy infants. Researchers have hypothesized an association between maternal breastfeeding confidence and expressed human milk feeding, but it has not been empirically examined. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to assess the associations between breastfeeding self-efficacy and human milk expression practices. The secondary objective was to assess the effect of breastfeeding self-efficacy on breastfeeding duration and exclusivity. Methods: This study used a prospective cohort design. From 2017 to 2018, we recruited 821 healthy mothers with term births in two public hospitals in Hong Kong. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire in the immediate postpartum period, which gathered information about sociodemographic characteristics and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF). Participants were followed up for 6 months or until infants were weaned. The proportion and type of infant feeding were assessed at telephone follow-up. Results: The overall mean BSES-SF score in our sample was 46.5 (standard deviation = 10.1). Every one-point increase in the BSES-SF score was associated with 4-5% lower risk of any expressed human milk feeding and 4-7% higher odds of breastfeeding continuation across the first 6 months postpartum. Conclusion: Higher breastfeeding self-efficacy is associated with a lower risk of expressed human milk feeding and a longer duration of any and exclusive breastfeeding. Further studies should explore how improving breastfeeding self-efficacy may affect the mode of human milk feeding.

Early predictors of short duration of exclusive breastfeeding among Havana women

ProblemIn Cuba, only 40.9% of infants under the age of six months are exclusively breastfed with the average duration of exclusivity being only 2.4 months. Evidence to guide the development of breastfeeding interventions among Cuban women to achieve exclusive breastfeeding to six months is limited. The objective was to identify early predictors for discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding before six months among Cuban women. MethodsIn a cohort study, 273 maternal-infant pairs were recruited immediately following childbirth at a public hospital in Havana, Cuba and followed up to six months postpartum. A univariate and multivariate strategy was used to identify early predictors of the discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding before six months. ResultsWhile all women were exclusively breastfeeding at hospital discharge, only 20.5% continued to six months postpartum. The average duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 3.13 months (SD ± 2.14 months). Factors associated with the early discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding were: (1) breastfeeding not initiated within the first hour of birth, (2) infant birthweight <3.3 kgs, (3) pacifier use, (4) maternal dissatisfaction with infant growth, (5) maternal mental health problems at one month and (6) low breastfeeding self-efficacy at birth and one month. In the multivariate analysis, only maternal dissatisfaction with infant growth progress at one month and birth weight <3.3 kg predicted the early discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding. ConclusionWomen who gave birth to an infant with a lower birth weight and were dissatisfied with their infant's growth trajectory were high risk to prematurely discontinue exclusive breastfeeding before six months.

Body Image Dissatisfaction, Breastfeeding Experiences, and Self-Efficacy in Postpartum Women with and Without Eating Disorder Symptoms.

Women during the postpartum period undergo significant changes which affect body image, eating behaviors, and, potentially, breastfeeding. There is limited research about relationships among these variables, particularly related to breastfeeding experiences and self-efficacy. To determine: (1) the associations between eating disorder symptoms and body image, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and breastfeeding experiences; and (2) the differences in body image, breastfeeding self-efficacy, breastfeeding experiences, and breastfeeding status of postpartum women with and without clinically significant eating disorder symptoms. A secondary data analysis using a 2-group correlational, cross-sectional online survey design was used. Participants with infants 2-6 months old who had breastfed their infant at least once (N = 204) were recruited nationally to complete a cross-sectional survey assessing breastfeeding and postpartum physical and mental health using validated measures. Linear and logistic regression evaluated differences between participants with and without eating disorder symptoms regarding their body image, breastfeeding experience and self-efficacy, and breastfeeding status (continued vs. discontinued) at 2 months postpartum. Clinical eating disorder symptoms were reported by 9.8% (n = 20). Participants with clinical eating disorder symptoms reported lower appearance evaluations (B = -0.53, 95% CI [-0.93, -0.14]) and body image satisfaction (B = -0.55, 95% CI [-0.87, -0.23]); reduced odds of breastfeeding at 2 months postpartum (AOR = 0.15, 95% CI [0.04, 0.56]); and lower breastfeeding self-efficacy (B = -7.70, 95% CI [-14.82, -0.58] relative to participants without clinical symptoms. No differences between groups were observed for breastfeeding experiences. Participants with clinically significant eating disorder symptoms are at risk for early breastfeeding discontinuation and lower breastfeeding self-efficacy. Our findings have implications for future research and clinical care practices, including screening for body image concerns and eating disorder symptoms and supporting breastfeeding self-efficacy.

The effect of lavender on mothers sleep quality in the postpartum period: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Poor sleep quality in the postpartum period can have various negative effects on the health of mothers and infants such as anxiety, depression, low breastfeeding self-efficacy and disrupted child-mother attachment. Accordingly, intervention seems necessary to improve sleep quality. Given the probable effect of lavender on sleep problems, the present research intended to determine its effects on mothers' sleep quality during postpartum period. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus databases and the Persian language databases (Magiran and SID) were searched for all the articles they included at the end of February 2021. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane tool. The results of the meta-analysis were reported as the standardized mean difference (SMD). Heterogeneity of the studies was investigated using the I-squared test (I2). Three out of the 292 obtained studies entered the meta-analysis. The results indicated that sleep quality in the group receiving lavender improved compared to the control group, (SMD = -0.61; 95% CI: -1.07 to -015 p = 0.01) whereas the heterogeneity was higher. (I2 = 75%; Tau2 = 012; Chi2 = 7.905, p = 0.02). According to the results of this systematic review, use of lavender can improve postpartum maternal sleep quality. However, further randomized controlled trials using identical methodology, larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed.

Associations Between Postpartum Physical Symptoms and Breastfeeding Outcomes Among a Sample of U.S. Women 2-6 Months' Postpartum: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: Postpartum urogynecologic and other physical symptoms are common and burdensome. Whether they interfere with breastfeeding has not been thoroughly examined, and this study aims to fill this gap. Methods: Mothers with an infant (2 to 6 months) were recruited from the U.S. ResearchMatch volunteer registry and completed the Life After Pregnancy Study, which assessed postpartum physical symptoms and breastfeeding self-efficacy, experiences, and problems. Modified Poisson regression and linear regression with fully conditional specification multiple imputation to handle missing data were used to examine the associations between physical symptoms and breastfeeding-related outcomes. Results: Among 222 participants, postpartum physical symptoms were common [e.g., painful sex (42%), urinary incontinence (32%)]. Breastfeeding problems were experienced by most participants [e.g., engorged breasts (72%), sore or cracked nipples (70%), breastfeeding or pumping was painful (67%)]. Although postpartum physical symptoms were not associated with breastfeeding for less than 2 months versus greater than/equal to 2 months (β = 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78, 1.13), women with excess weight retention and those reporting painful sex or hemorrhoids were more likely to report breastfeeding problems such as sore or cracked nipples or perceived low milk supply. Overall, more physical symptoms were associated with more breastfeeding problems (adj β = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.62) and lower breastfeeding self-efficacy (adj β = -2.24, 95% CI: -4.36, -0.13). Conclusions: Postpartum physical symptoms were associated with breastfeeding problems and overall poorer breastfeeding self-efficacy, but not with short-term breastfeeding duration. Future studies should explore how addressing physical symptoms among postpartum mothers might improve breastfeeding outcomes.

Prevalence and multivariable predictors of breastfeeding outcomes in the United Arab Emirates: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundDespite considerable policy actions at the national and hospital levels, rates of breastfeeding in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remain below the global average. There is a need to explore the modifiable factors of breastfeeding such as maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy (BSE), support, and mental health among women in this region to guide interventions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aim of this study was to examine the maternal predictors of any and exclusive breastfeeding in a cohort of Emirati and expatriate women residing in the UAE with a specific focus on modifiable factors.MethodsUsing a prospective cohort design, Emirati and expatriate women were recruited in the immediate postpartum period (N = 374) and followed at three and 6 months postpartum between February 2018 and July 2019. Questionnaires with validated tools were used to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics, breastfeeding practices, BSE, postnatal depression, and anxiety. The main outcomes in the study were Any Breastfeeding and exclusivity practices, which were assessed at three and 6 months postpartum by asking the mother about her breastfeeding behaviour during the past 7 days. Multilevel, multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the association of different variables with breastfeeding outcomes.ResultsAlmost all women reported initiating breastfeeding during their stay at the hospital (n = 357), while only 263 (70.3%) initiated breastfeeding within the first hour of delivery. At 6 months postpartum, 301 (81.5%) women continued to breastfeed of whom 100 (26.7%) were doing so exclusively. Older mothers who initiated breastfeeding within 1 h of birth and were satisfied with the breastfeeding support they received from family and friends had significantly greater odds of any breastfeeding at 6 months. Whereas a clinically significant Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score, low BSE score as well as employment outside the home were associated with significantly lower odds of exclusive breastfeeding and any breastfeeding at 6 months postpartum.ConclusionThis study highlights the need to develop effective education strategies and support programs targeting these modifiable variables to improve breastfeeding outcomes among women in the UAE.

Breastfeeding Outcomes, Self-Efficacy, and Satisfaction Among Low-Income Women With Late-Preterm, Early-Term, and Full-Term Infants

ObjectiveTo assess breastfeeding exclusivity and rate of breastfeeding, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and satisfaction with breastfeeding after hospital discharge among low-income women with late-preterm and early-term infants compared with women with full-term infants. DesignProspective, comparative, with repeated measures. SettingFour Midwestern U.S. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children offices. ParticipantsParticipants included 270 mother–infant dyads. MethodsWe assessed breastfeeding exclusivity, rate of breastfeeding, and breastfeeding self-efficacy at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 5 months and satisfaction with breastfeeding at 5 months after birth or when participants stopped breastfeeding. ResultsMore than 50% of women in each subgroup were non-Hispanic White. Late-preterm and early-term infants had lower breastfeeding exclusivity rates than full-term infants across the three time points (40%, 51%, and 65% at 2 weeks, p = .029; 22.5%, 34%, and 58% at 2 months, p < .001; and 7%, 15%, and 28.46% at 5 months, p < .001, respectively). The overall exclusive breastfeeding rate for all groups was 55.93% at 2 weeks, 44.07% at 2 months, and 20.37% at 5 months; 55.56% continued any breastfeeding at 5 months. Breastfeeding self-efficacy during the first 5 months after birth, satisfaction with breastfeeding, level of education, and attending breastfeeding classes were positively correlated with breastfeeding exclusivity. We found significantly less exclusive breastfeeding, lower breastfeeding self-efficacy, and lower satisfaction with breastfeeding among participants with late-preterm and early-term infants compared to those with full-term infants. ConclusionOngoing professional breastfeeding support for women is needed to improve and promote breastfeeding exclusivity and continuation among their late-preterm and early-term infants.

Feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of an innovative postnatal home-based breastfeeding peer support programme in Hong Kong: a feasibility and pilot randomised controlled trial

BackgroundAs suggested by the World Health Organization, breastfeeding peer support is being introduced worldwide to support women’s breastfeeding needs. Evidence has shown that when such support is offered to women, the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding is increased. We developed an innovative home-based intervention to sustain exclusive breastfeeding in Hong Kong. However, potential barriers must be addressed before a full randomised controlled trial (RCT) is conducted. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of a breastfeeding support programme with home-based visits from peer supporters over a six month period among postpartum Chinese women in Hong Kong.MethodsWe conducted a feasibility and pilot randomised controlled trial. Twenty primiparous women intending to breastfeed their healthy term singleton infant were recruited from a hospital in Kowloon, Hong Kong between February and March 2019. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. Participants in the intervention group received five home-based visits with a peer supporter over a six month period, as well as standard care, whereas participants in the control group received standard care only. We assessed feasibility, compliance, and acceptability of the breastfeeding peer support programme. Other outcomes assessed were breastfeeding self-efficacy, duration, and exclusivity.ResultsIt was feasible to recruit and train existing peer supporters, and peer supporters were able to deliver the intervention, which was acceptable to women, but rates of stopping the intervention and loss to follow-up were high. There was higher retention seen within the first month. Women interviewed at the end of the study reported that the intervention was positive. The cessation risk of any, and exclusive breastfeeding were not statistically different between the intervention and control groups.ConclusionsThis study provided valuable information on feasibility of the trial design and intervention. Modifications to the intervention, such as targeting women with lower breastfeeding self-efficacy, or combining home visits with technology and telephone follow-up may be more appropriate in a larger trial. Implementing the programme early during the antenatal phase and tailoring peer support to most appropriately sustain exclusive breastfeeding and other feeding modes should be incorporated in a future home-based peer support arm.Trial registrationNCT03705494 on 15 Oct 2018.

Enhancing Patient-Provider Breastfeeding Conversations: Breastfeeding Intention and Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy among a Sample of Pregnant Women.

The purpose of this study was to investigate and identify which sociodemographic factors may be associated with breastfeeding intention and breastfeeding self-efficacy among pregnant women. Pregnant women at a medical center in Alabama completed a cross-sectional survey. The Prenatal Rating of Efficacy in Preparation to Breastfeed Scale (PREP to BF) was used to assess prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy. A valid 3-item breastfeeding intention scale and the Fetal Health Locus of Control Scale also were used. Nonparametric tests were used to assess differences in breastfeeding intention, locus of control subscales, and PREP to BF scores by history with breastfeeding, planned mode of delivery, and sociodemographic factors. The participants in the final analysis (N = 124) had a mean prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy score of 299.5 (±92.33), with a range of 0 to 390. Significantly lower scores related to intention and PREP to BF were found among Black women (P ≤ 0.05), those with a high school education or less (P ≤ 0.019), single women (P ≤ 0.028), and those who had no breastfeeding experience (P ≤ 0.035). Identifying pregnant women with low breastfeeding self-efficacy and intention and recognizing the effects of social and cultural influences on breastfeeding are vital. Healthcare providers can engage in meaningful dialog to address ways to increase social support, communication, goal-setting skills, and overcoming mental and emotional barriers.

Determinants of low breastfeeding self-efficacy amongst mothers of children aged less than six months: results from the BADUTA study in East Java, Indonesia

BackgroundDespite the increasing rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia, there is still a need for supportive interventions. The breastfeeding self-efficacy of mothers is a key factor positively associated with optimum breastfeeding practices. Our analysis aims to assess the determinants of low breastfeeding self-efficacy amongst a sample of women with children aged under 6 months in Malang and Sidoarjo Districts, East Java, Indonesia.MethodsWe used information from 1210 mothers of children aged < 6 months recruited in the BADUTA study conducted in 2015–2016 in Malang and Sidoarjo Districts. The outcome variable in this analysis was mothers’ self-efficacy for breastfeeding using the 14 statements in the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy-Short Form. We evaluated 17 potential predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy, organized into six sub-groups of variables: (1) context/demographic; (2) household factors; (3) maternal characteristics; (4) child characteristics; (5) breastfeeding practices; and (6) antenatal and delivery care. Logistic regression analyses were employed to examine factors associated with mothers’ self-efficacy with breastfeeding.ResultsMore than half of the women in this study had a low level of self-efficacy. One of the factors associated with low breastfeeding self-efficacy found in this study was mothers’ problems related to breastfeeding. Mothers who had problems with breastfeeding not related to illness (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.27; 95% CI 2.45, 4.36) or problems related to both illness and non-illness conditions (aOR 3.57; 95% CI 1.37, 9.33) had higher odds of low breastfeeding self-efficacy than those who did not have any problems. Compared to mothers who completed university education, there was a significantly higher odds of low breastfeeding self-efficacy in mothers who completed primary school or lower (aOR 1.88; 95% CI 1.16, 3.05); completed junior high school (aOR 2.27; 95% CI 1.42, 3.63); and completed senior high school (aOR 1.94; 95% CI 1.29, 2.91). Other significant predictors of low breastfeeding self-efficacy were mothers not exposed to any breastfeeding interventions (aOR 1.87; 95% CI 1.09, 3.22); working outside the house (aOR 1.69; 95% CI 1.23, 2.32); not obtaining any advice on breastfeeding (aOR 1.40; 95% CI 1.08, 1.82); with low knowledge of breastfeeding (aOR 1.38; 95% CI 1.03, 1.84); and delivered by Caesarean section (aOR 1.34; 95% CI 1.05, 1.70).ConclusionsMultipronged breastfeeding education programs and support are required to improve women’s self-efficacy with breastfeeding. Improved access to breastfeeding counselors, active support for mothers following cesarean delivery, and increased supporting facilities at workplaces are essential to improve self-efficacy with breastfeeding.

Perceptions About Lactation Consultant Support, Breastfeeding Experiences and Postpartum Psychosocial Outcomes.

Many women seek lactation consultant support in the postpartum period. Lactation consultant support in community or clinical settings is often assumed to extend breastfeeding duration, improve breastfeeding experiences, and be well-received. Few studies have assessed women's perceptions of the support they received, nor have perceptions been examined in relationship to breastfeeding outcomes and maternal well-being. Our objective was to characterize the lactation consultant support women received and examine how women's perceptions about the support related to their breastfeeding outcomes, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and parenting stress. This observational, cross-sectional study examined receipt of postpartum lactation consultant support among 210 US women. Perceptions of lactation consultant support were examined in relation to breastfeeding outcomes, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and parenting stress to explore outcomes of negative versus positive lactation consultant support experiences, using linear and proportional hazards regression. While overall perceptions of lactation consultant support were positive for most recipients (71%, n = 98), 29% (n = 40) reported negative perceptions of lactation consultant support. Negative perceptions were associated with lower breastfeeding self-efficacy (β =  - 11.7, 95% CI - 17.3, - 6.0), a less successful breastfeeding experience (β =  - 19.5, CI - 27.8, - 11.3), greater general anxiety (β = 6.5, CI 2.1, 10.9), and shorter total duration of milk production (HR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.18, 0.84). Perceptions were not associated with depressive symptoms or parenting stress. Findings highlight the importance of ensuring that postpartum breastfeeding support provided by lactation consultants is perceived as positive by women.

The Effect of Labor Comfort on Traumatic Childbirth Perception, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Breastfeeding.

Objective: This study aims to examine the effect of labor comfort on traumatic childbirth perception, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and breastfeeding after the fourth postpartum week. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study was conducted between June 2019 and February 2020 in Turkey (n = 102). A personal information form and the Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire were administered to pregnant women with cervical dilatation of 5-8 cm in the delivery room. They were also administered the Traumatic Childbirth Perception Scale (TCPS), PTSD Scale, and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale twice, including 4 weeks and 3 months after childbirth. Additionally, the TCPS and PTSD Scale were reapplied 6 months after childbirth. Results: The prevalence of traumatic childbirth perceptions and PTSD at 4 weeks of the postpartum period was 68.6% and 59.8%, respectively. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between physical labor comfort (p = 0.003), transcendence (p = 0.023), family history of labor difficulty (p = 0.027), and feelings about birth before labor begins (p = 0.005) and traumatic childbirth perceptions 4 weeks after childbirth. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between physical labor comfort (p = 0.001), psychospiritual labor comfort (p = 0.006), transcendence (p = 0.001), primiparity (p = 0.009), place of residence (p = 0.044), and traumatic childbirth perceptions (p < 0.001) and PTSD 4 weeks after childbirth. Physical labor comfort affected traumatic childbirth perceptions 3 and 6 months after childbirth (p < 0.05). Physical labor comfort affected breastfeeding self-efficacy 4 weeks and 3 months after childbirth (p < 0.05). A significant relationship was also found between high traumatic childbirth perception levels, high PTSD prevalence, and low breastfeeding self-efficacy 3 months after giving birth (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Puerperal women had high traumatic childbirth perception levels and PTSD prevalence. Low labor comfort increased traumatic childbirth perception and PTSD prevalence. There was a significant relationship between low labor comfort, high traumatic childbirth perception level, high PTSD prevalence, and low breastfeeding self-efficacy. Therefore, midwives should support pregnant women to increase labor comfort by using alternative methods. Thus, traumatic childbirth perception may decrease and breastfeeding self-efficacy may increase.

The significance of early breastfeeding experiences on breastfeeding self-efficacy one week postpartum.

Many new mothers do not reach their breastfeeding goals. Breastfeeding self‐efficacy is a modifiable determinant influenced by prior and new breastfeeding experiences. More knowledge about factors associated with early breastfeeding experiences and breastfeeding self‐efficacy would allow us to qualify breastfeeding counselling and increase breastfeeding duration. This study aimed to identify prevalence and factors associated with early negative breastfeeding experience, low breastfeeding self‐efficacy in the first week postpartum, and drop in self‐efficacy from late pregnancy to early postpartum period. A prospective longitudinal study was performed in Denmark from 2013 to 2014, including 2, 804 mothers.Results showed that 1 week postpartum almost 10% of mothers had negative breastfeeding experiences, 36% had low breastfeeding self‐efficacy, and 26% drop in self‐efficacy from pregnancy. Negative breastfeeding experiences were significantly associated with epidural analgesia, interrupted skin‐to‐skin contact immediately postpartum, short previous breastfeeding duration, and lacking social support. Low breastfeeding self‐efficacy was associated with low breastfeeding intention, short previous breastfeeding duration, and negative breastfeeding experiences in the first week postpartum. Finally, significant associations of drop in breastfeeding self‐efficacy from late pregnancy were no or short education, early negative breastfeeding experiences, prior short breastfeeding duration, and low general breastfeeding self‐efficacy in pregnancy. Negative breastfeeding experiences in the first week postpartum is crucial for maternal breastfeeding self‐efficacy 1 week following birth. It is important to identify and support mothers at risk of negative breastfeeding experiences in the first week following birth and address factors that might increase the probability of early successful breastfeeding experiences.

BREASTFEEDING SELF-EFFICACY (BSE): COMPARATION BETWEEN ANTENATAL AND POSTPARTUM PERIOD

Breastfeeding is the process of giving mother’s breast milk to baby. Breast milk is the best nutrition for babies. However, there are inhibiting factors that influence mother to decide stop breastfeed. One of the factors is the low Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy (BSE). BSE can be used to predict mothers, who will stop the breastfeeding earlier in the future. BSE will increase during pregnancy until 6 weeks postpartum. The purpose of this study was to analysis comparation of BSE during third trimester pregnancy and postpartum period. The design of this study was observational analytic with a prospective cohort study approach. The study was conducted in Malang, on Kedungkandang District from January to May 2018. Fifty-eight respondents were involved in this study. The instruments used in this study were Prenatal Breastfeeding Self Efficacy Scale (PBSES) and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Short Form (BSES-SF). The data were analysed using paired t-test. The result of this study was the average BSE score of mothers during pregnancy is 57,59 ± 7,49 and BSE at postpartum, 58.53 ± 5,99. While, the paired t-test obtained a p value of 0.365, it can be concluded that there were no significant differences between BSE mothers during pregnancy and postpartum.

Predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy among women attending an urban postnatal clinic, Uganda.

AimThe aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with breastfeeding self‐efficacy among postnatal women in Kampala, Uganda.MethodsThis was a descriptive cross‐sectional study that was conducted among women attending a postnatal clinic at a teaching hospital in Kampala. Three hundred and eighty‐four postnatal women were randomly selected to respond to an interviewer‐administered questionnaire. We used the Breastfeeding Self‐Efficacy scale (BFSES) to assesses breastfeeding self‐efficacy (BFSE). Descriptive statistics and percentages were used to summarize the findings. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine predictors of BFSE.ResultsParticipants had a mean BFSE score of 48.65. The 14 item BFSES consistently measured breastfeeding confidence with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.89. About six in 10 women (60.2%) had high BFSE, the rest (39.8%) had low BFSE. Having a partner (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 13, 95% CI 3.46–15) and receiving breastfeeding support from health workers (aOR: 4.45, 95% CI: 1.95–6.12) were significantly associated with BFSE.ConclusionA notable number of mothers had a low BFSE. Health workers should support breastfeeding mothers to achieve the desired exclusive breastfeeding levels.Relevance to clinical practiceThe findings of the study provide a direction for midwives in maternity care in educating and supporting women about breastfeeding for the improvement of exclusive breastfeeding rates thus realization of benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding self-efficacy among blind mothers.

To evaluate breastfeeding self-efficacy among blind mothers. This is a descriptive and exploratory research carried out in Fortaleza-Ceara, with ten blind mothers. Data were collected through an interview with the application of a socioeconomic and obstetric questionnaire and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale - Short Form. The majority of blind mothers presented high breastfeeding self-efficacy, but there were also mothers with low breastfeeding self-efficacy. It is necessary to follow-up mothers throughout the entire breastfeeding period to maintain or improve breastfeeding self-efficacy in this specific public.