Positive Breastfeeding Attitudes Research Articles

Breastfeedıng Attitudes of Puerperal Women and Influencing Factors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

INTRODUCTION:Assessment of mothers’ breastfeeding attitudes during the COVID-19 pandemic can aid healthcare professionals in planning appropriate breastfeeding counseling. The aim of our study is to assess the breastfeeding attitudes of puerperal women during the COVID-19 pandemic and the related factors.METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted on 470 postpartum women who delivered in a state hospital in Turkey in 2022. Participants were selected through simple random sampling.RESULTS:The mean score on the Breastfeeding Attitude Evaluation Scale was 101.11 ± 19.79 (scores range from 0 to 184). Factors that positively influenced breastfeeding attitude included initiating breastfeeding in the first hour after birth (p= .043), planning exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months (p= .004), intending to breastfeed for 24 months or more (p= .008), giving breast milk as the baby’s first food (p= .017), believing that a COVID-19-infected mother should breastfeed her baby (p= .000), and not separating a COVID-19-positive mother from her baby (p= .014). Conversely, being a primiparous mother (p= .011) and not believing that breast milk protects the baby from COVID-19 (p= .011) negatively impacted the breastfeeding attitude.CONCLUSION:This study found that postpartum women had positive breastfeeding attitudes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and certain factors influenced these attitudes.

Can Willingness to Breastfeed Be an Opportunity for Smoking Pregnant Women to Quit Smoking?

Smoking during pregnancy and/or not breastfeeding have considerable negative health outcomes for the mother and infant. This descriptive and cross-sectional study determined the relationship between the prediction of smoking cessation success in pregnant women and their breastfeeding attrition prediction during lactation. The other aim of the study was to determine the predictor of smoking cessation success and the factors affecting breastfeeding attrition prediction. The present study was conducted with 131 smoking pregnant women. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Smoking Cessation Success Prediction Scale, and the Breastfeeding Attrition Prediction Tool. A statistically significant and positive correlation was revealed between the Smoking Cessation Success Prediction Scale and the positive breastfeeding attitude (r = 0.349, P < .01). Of the change in positive breastfeeding attitudes, 14.7% was explained by the prediction of smoking cessation success (adjusted R2 = 0.147). The study revealed that the prediction of smoking cessation success increased with an increase in the positive breastfeeding attitude of smoking pregnant women.

Social media intervention for promoting breastfeeding among WIC participants.

Social media have emerged as a promising communication channel for promoting breastfeeding among a new generation of mothers. Yet, there is no published study reporting the effects of a large-scale social media intervention on key breastfeeding-related perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. As a component of its breastfeeding promotion campaign, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program implemented a 12-month intervention using Facebook and Instagram and subsequently evaluated the outcomes by surveying WIC-participating women (N = 832) twice, immediately before and after the intervention. Based on their level of exposure to the intervention messages, the women were retrospectively classified into two groups, resulting in a two-group (no-low exposure vs. medium-high exposure) quasi-experiment. Women in the medium-high exposure group, in comparison with women in the no-low exposure group, exhibited higher campaign awareness (p < .001), visits to the campaign website (p < .001), and engagement with the website content (p < .001). They also reported more positive breastfeeding attitudes (M = 17.26 vs. M = 16.51, p < .05), self-efficacy (M = 54.48 vs. M = 49.94, p < .01), and social support (M = 27.37 vs. M = 25.11, p < .001). But they did not differ from women in the no-low exposure group in breastfeeding initiation (p > .05) and duration (p > .05). In conclusion, a social media-based intervention resulted in more positive breastfeeding attitudes, higher self-efficacy, and higher perceived social support. Future studies need to investigate the optimal level of intervention message dosage that prompts significant behavioral changes.

Determinants of High Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy among Nursing Mothers in Najran, Saudi Arabia.

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study investigating the determinant of BSE among 1577 nursing mothers in primary health centers in Najran City, Saudi Arabia. The study uses a cluster random sampling technique. Data collection was performed from June 2022 to January 2023 using a self-reported questionnaire that encompasses the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF), Gender Friendly Breastfeeding Knowledge Scale (GFBKS), Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS), and a basic data questionnaire to assess women's demographic factors and obstetric history. The mean score for all BSES-SF items was between 3.23-3.41, the highest mean score was in mothers who felt comfortable breastfeeding with family members present (3.41 ± 1.06), and the lowest mean was in mothers who could breastfeed their baby without using formula as a supplement (3.23 ± 0.94). The overall BSE score was high among 67% of the study participants. Binary logistic regression showed that being a housewife, being highly educated, having breastfeeding experience, and being multiparous are positive predictors for high BSE (p ≤ 0.001). In addition, having adequate breastfeeding knowledge and positive breastfeeding attitudes were positively associated with higher BSE (p = 0.000). BSE can be predicted by modifiable predictors such as mothers' education, working status, parity, breastfeeding experience, adequate breastfeeding knowledge, and positive attitudes toward breastfeeding. If such predictors are considered during breastfeeding-related educational interventions, it could lead to more effective and sustainable effects in community awareness regarding breastfeeding.

Levels and Determinants of Antenatal Breastfeeding Attitudes among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Breastfeeding attitudes are strong predictors of breastfeeding behavior. Gaining a deeper understanding on the levels and determinants of antenatal breastfeeding attitudes is crucial. This cross-sectional study involved 124 pregnant women at a tertiary hospital in Hunan, China. A self-administered questionnaire, the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale, the Childbirth Attitude Questionnaire, the Perceived Social Support Scale, and the Breastfeeding Knowledge Questionnaire were assessed during their first-trimester, second-trimester, and third-trimester hospital visit. Multiple linear regression was conducted to identify the determinants of breastfeeding attitudes. The participants reported neutral (56.39 ± 5.69) levels of breastfeeding attitudes. The determinants of antenatal breastfeeding attitudes were other family members' support for exclusive breastfeeding: moderate (β = 0.278, p < 0.05), depressive symptoms (β = -0.191, p < 0.05), and breastfeeding knowledge (β = 0.434, p < 0.001). The variables explained 33.9% (adjusted R2) of the total variation in breastfeeding attitudes scores (F = 4.507, p < 0.001). Namely, other family members' support for EBF was a negative influence on positive breastfeeding attitudes. The women whose other family members were moderate of EBF had more positive attitudes toward breastfeeding compared to those whose other family members were very supportive of EBF. The depressive symptoms were negatively associated with positive breastfeeding attitudes, and lower levels of depressive symptoms were associated with higher levels of positive breastfeeding attitudes among pregnant women. Additionally, breastfeeding knowledge was positively associated with positive breastfeeding attitudes. The more knowledgeable about breastfeeding, the more positive the attitude towards breastfeeding. Health professionals should identify these modifiable factors that may contribute to poorer breastfeeding attitudes, which is useful in targeting promotions of breastfeeding.

Parenting stress in the early years – a survey of the impact of breastfeeding and social support for women in Finland and the UK

BackgroundBeing a new parent can be both joyful and stressful. Parenting stress is associated with poorer health and well-being for parents and infant and increased psychological distress. For new mothers, physical and hormonal changes, expectations of mothering and demands of a new baby may cause additional stress. Breastfeeding is promoted as optimal for maternal and infant health, but can have both positive and negative psychological impacts. Formal and informal social support can offset parenting and breastfeeding stress. Source, content and context of support for new parents are important considerations. This study compares two countries with different parenting and breastfeeding contexts, Finland (more supportive) and the UK (less supportive), investigating the role of breastfeeding stress, self-efficacy and social support as predictors of stress and role strain for new mothers.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was completed by 1550 breastfeeding mothers of infants up to 2 years old, recruited via social media platforms in Finland and the UK. Predictors of parenting stress and strain, including demograpic factors, childbirth experiences, breastfeeding and social support were investigated.ResultsWe found fewer differences between countries than expected, perhaps due to demographic and contextual differences. Women in Finland reported better childbirth experiences, more positive breastfeeding attitudes, and more self-efficacy than in the UK. Levels of parenting stress were similar in both countries. Women in the UK reported more parental role strain, but fewer breastfeeding stressors. Participants accessed more informal than formal supports, including their partner for parenting and facebook groups and family for breastfeeding. Analysis suggested breastfeeding stress and social support had significant direct effects – respectively increasing and reducing parenting stress and role strain, but no moderating effects of social support suggesting support did not change the relationship between breastfeeding and parenting stress.ConclusionsResults have important implications for the provision of breastfeeding and parenting support for new mothers. Simple interventions to manage stress for mothers in the postnatal period could be beneficial and are easily delivered by supporters. As shown elsewhere, socio-economic and cultural factors are crucial influences on parenting experiences.

A Snapshot of Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitude, and Intention of Childless Female College Students in Louisiana: A Basis for Future Education Plans

Objectives•Discuss the differences in breastfeeding knowledge and attitude by different demographics among a sample of adult, childless, college-age females.•Discuss the characteristics of the study sample that were found to have the highest breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and intention.•List 3 different suggested breastfeeding knowledge messages that could be used to educate adult, childless, college-age females. MethodsA convenience sample of childless, adult, female students (n = 1039), 18 to 22 years old, were recruited to complete a 58-item web-based survey during the 2019–2020 school year. The questionnaire items assessed breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, future breastfeeding intention, and general demographics. ResultsThe mean breastfeeding knowledge and attitude scores were 13.16 (±2.48) and 64.19 (±7.69) respectively, both indications of relatively high breastfeeding knowledge and positive attitudes towards breastfeeding. Over 90% of the sample had intentions to breastfeed potential future children. Higher breastfeeding knowledge and more positive attitudes were found among those with higher intentions to breastfeed their babies in the future. ConclusionsThis sample of adult, college-age, childless females has the potential to give birth and breastfeed infants in the future. Similar populations may be responsible for changes in breastfeeding rates in the US. Nutrition education and behavioral health professionals who work with college-age individuals may want to focus pre-conception educational initiatives on increasing and maintaining breastfeeding knowledge and positive breastfeeding attitudes while encouraging breastfeeding initiation in the future. Funding SourcesNot applicable

Validation of the Arabic version of the breastfeeding behavior questionnaire among Lebanese women

BackgroundThe Breastfeeding Behavior Questionnaire (BBQ) assesses women’s perceptions of their breastfeeding behavior. It was adapted to several languages and used in different settings, but has not been validated in Arabic-speaking populations. None of the previous studies that used the BBQ in other cultures examined its ability to predict the actual breastfeeding behaviors of mothers postpartum. This study validated the BBQ in a cohort of Lebanese pregnant women between December 2013 and January 2016, and examined whether it can predict exclusive breastfeeding at one, three and six months.MethodsThe internal consistency reliability and construct validity of the Arabic BBQ (BBQ-A) were tested on 354 pregnant women. Its predictive ability was assessed by correlating the women’s BBQ-A scores with their breastfeeding outcomes at one, three and six months post-delivery.ResultsThe BBQ-A had a good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.78). Exploratory factor analysis revealed that it is unidimensional. Inter-item correlations ranged between − 0.016 and 0.934, with corrected-item total correlations ranging from 0.273 to 0.678. Perceived positive breastfeeding behavior correlated with positive breastfeeding attitudes, good breastfeeding knowledge and stronger breastfeeding intention supporting its external validity. However, in binomial multivariate logistic regression analysis, the BBQ-A did not predict exclusive breastfeeding at one, three or six months.ConclusionsThe BBQ-A is a reliable and valid instrument to assess women’s perceptions of their breastfeeding behavior in an Arab context. Availability of this instrument is important for investigators conducting breastfeeding research in the Arab world. However, the BBQ-A does not predict exclusive breastfeeding at one, three or six months. Further research on the Breastfeeding Behavior Questionnaire is needed to examine its predictive validity in other cultures.

Predictors of Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy in Malaysian Women: a Cross-Sectional Study

Mothers with better self-efficacy are tend to have intent to breastfeed, initiate early and have lengthier of exclusive breastfeeding. This study aimed to evaluate the level of breastfeeding self-efficacy and to investigate the determinants of breastfeeding self-efficacy among pregnant mothers. A total of 180 expecting mothers were recruited in this cross sectional study from chosen Maternal and Child Health Clinics in Selangor. Self-administered questionnaires of Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Score (IIFAS) and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy (BSES-SF) were used to attain information on maternal attitudes and knowledge of breastfeeding and breastfeeding self-efficacy. Findings showed subjects had high level of breastfeeding self-efficacy (mean 51.79±11.94) and majority of them had fair knowledge in breastfeeding. Breastfeeding self-efficacy is found associated with number of children, while, residential area, occupation and household income were associated with breastfeeding knowledge (p<0.05). The best-fit regression analysis revealed three variables that explained 41.0% of the variance in breast feeding self-efficacy among expectant mothers. They were being housewife, multiparous and had positive breastfeeding attitudes (p<0.05). For that reason, healthcare providers can tactically identify women vulnerable to low breastfeeding self-efficacy by providing early intervention through increasing the awareness and knowledge in breastfeeding during prenatal and antenatal.

Outpatient Breastfeeding Champion Program: Breastfeeding Support in Primary Care.

Background: Breastfeeding support offered by trained professionals can increase breastfeeding success. The Outpatient Breastfeeding Champion (OBC) program creates a network of Breastfeeding Champions (typically nurses) who are trained to identify and resolve common breastfeeding issues and refer to lactation professionals as needed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact the OBC program on nurses' attitudes toward breastfeeding and self-confidence in providing breastfeeding care. Materials and Methods: The OBC program was implemented in 11 medical offices within a health care system. Nurses were surveyed before (n = 9) and immediately after (n = 9) participating in OBC training sessions, and 6 months following the implementation of the OBC training (n = 15). Data were collected on their breastfeeding attitude and self-confidence in providing breastfeeding care, and the responses at the different time points were compared using Wilcoxon Rank-Sum tests. Results: Nurses' attitudes toward breastfeeding (p = 0.049) and self-confidence in managing breastfeeding position and attachment (p = 0.09) were higher immediately after completion of the OBC training than they were before training. There was no significant difference in either response between immediately after completion and 6 months following training. Conclusion: This study presents a model of breastfeeding care that extends the reach of an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant to improve breastfeeding support in the primary care setting. Nurses' more positive breastfeeding attitudes and self-confidence in providing breastfeeding care following training suggest that the use of a breastfeeding training program may improve the breastfeeding support provided by nurses, which could be sustained over time.

Predictors of Breastfeeding Intention in Malaysia

Breastfeeding is linked to a number of health related benefits among infants. Breastfeeding provides the ideal nutrition for infants, by promoting a higher IQ and protecting against childhood and adult diseases. Despite these health benefits, the rates of exclusive breastfeeding are still low in Malaysia. Intention to breastfeed is closely related to early initiation to breastfeed and could also be a predictor of longer duration of breastfeeding. The objectives of this study are to provide a descriptive analysis of the sociodemographic characteristics, breastfeeding intention and breastfeeding attitudes and determine predictors affecting breastfeeding intention among low-to-middle income women. A prospective cohort study was undertaken of mothers attending eight antenatal clinics run by the Ministry of Health in Selangor, Malaysia. Mothers were recruited during the antenatal period and followed up until six months postpartum to document breastfeeding outcomes. Among 652 mothers in our study, exclusive breastfeeding, mixed feeding, and exclusive formula feeding intentions were 49.6%, 46.3%, and 9.0%, respectively. Age, maternal employment, maternal education, parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), breastfeeding attitude, spouse’s preference, grandmother’s preference and breastfeeding experience had significant relationship with breastfeeding intention (p&amp;lt; 0.05). However, further analysis showed that breastfeeding intention was associated with positive breastfeeding attitudes, older age, greater years of education, being housewives, having partner and family support for breastfeeding and grandmothers’ breastfeeding experience. These findings suggest that by providing breastfeeding initiatives towards less educated, young mothers who lack breastfeeding support from their loved ones may improve breastfeeding rates.Keywords: Exclusive breastfeeding; Maternal obesity; Breastfeeding intention; Breastfeeding attitudeISSN: 2398-4287© 2017. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning &amp; Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.

Breastfeeding Exposure, Attitudes, and Intentions of African American and Caucasian College Students.

African American mothers lag behind in breastfeeding initiation. Research is needed to gain an understanding of potential reasons for breastfeeding disparities. Research aim: This study explored breastfeeding exposure, attitudes, and intentions of African American and Caucasian college students by race and gender. Women and men (696) attending college, who were younger than 45 years and without children, were included in this study. Survey data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale. Overall, students demonstrated favorable attitudes regarding breastfeeding but viewed formula feeding as more practical. Students who were Caucasian and female and experienced breastfeeding exposure demonstrated higher breastfeeding attitudes and intent. Breastfeeding exposure and attitudes contributed 32% of the variance in breastfeeding intentions. The odds of experiencing breastfeeding exposure and positive breastfeeding attitudes were approximately 3 times higher for Caucasian students than for African American students. External factors demonstrated a stronger association with breastfeeding intentions. The link with race and gender appears to operate through their effect on attitudes and exposure. More research is needed to identify strategies to improve breastfeeding exposure and attitudes among African Americans.

Abstract B60: Racial/ethnic differences in pregnant women's knowledge of the relationship between breast cancer risk and breastfeeding

Abstract Objectives: Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer, particularly triple negative breast cancer. Yet black women, who are at greater risk of developing triple negative breast cancer, are the least likely racial group to breastfeed. Little is known about black women's knowledge of the link between breast cancer and breastfeeding. Given the link between BC and breastfeeding, among other benefits to breastfeeding, it is critical to understand why black women are the least likely racial group to breastfeed. The current study was designed to describe pregnant women's knowledge of the breastfeeding and breast cancer link and other psychosocial variables among three racial/ethnic groups (black, white and Hispanic). It is hypothesized that pregnant black women will have lower knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding, including knowledge about the link between breastfeeding and breast cancer than either white or Hispanic women. It is further hypothesized that, compared to other racial groups, black women will have lower intentions to breastfeed, poorer attitudes toward breastfeeding, lower self-efficacy, and lower levels of social influence/support to breastfeed. Methods: This research study was Institutional Review Board-approved and conducted in accordance with prevailing ethical principles. Pregnant women 18 years or older (N=93; 48.4% black; 28.0% Hispanic) were recruited during a prenatal visit at the OB/GYN practice of an urban hospital. The practice primarily serves underinsured women. The one-time, anonymous self-report survey was comprised of questions that captured each participant's socio-demographic information such as age, race/ethnicity, education level and income as well as their breastfeeding knowledge, intentions, attitudes, and social influences (i.e., baby's father, maternal/paternal grandmother opinion and preference for infant feeding). Results: Less than 40% of both black and white women were aware of the relationship between breastfeeding and breast cancer risk reduction, in comparison to 64.7% of Hispanic women. The opinions of the baby's father and their doctor about breastfeeding were regarded the most important to black women. Contrary to our hypotheses, all women reported high intentions to breastfeed but most women indicated that they intended to breastfeed for less than 12 months. Black women also had the highest levels of positive breastfeeding attitudes and self-efficacy. Conclusions: The benefits of breastfeeding for long-term maternal health such as reduced risk of BC, including triple negative breast cancer in black women, have been documented in the literature; yet black women are least likely to breastfeed. The current study demonstrates that women have low knowledge about the link between BC and breastfeeding, particularly black and white women. These findings support the need for targeted interventions educating black women about the protective benefits of breastfeeding, particularly breast health, as a strategy to reduce their incidence and mortality of breast cancer. Despite our hypotheses, black women had higher rates of self-efficacy, breastfeeding attitudes, breastfeed intent, and medical mistrust. Future research efforts need to further explore why black women have the lowest breastfeeding rates, yet high rates of intentions, self-efficacy and attitudes about breastfeeding. Citation Format: Jamilia Sly, Sarah Miller, Rhoda Sperling, Fahimeh Sasan, Holly Loudon, Elizabeth Howell, Lina Jandorf. Racial/ethnic differences in pregnant women's knowledge of the relationship between breast cancer risk and breastfeeding. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B60.

Using Of CD-Rom Breastfeeding Learning Package In Training Of Different Caregivers

AbstractMidwives nurses in conjunction with other caregivers play an important role in promoting breastfeeding to women. Although many have positive breastfeeding attitudes, significant knowledge deficits often limit their capacity to effectively encourage, support and assist breastfeeding women and their infants. Aim: To explore the effect of using CD-ROM breastfeeding learning package in training of different caregivers Design: Quasi experimental. Methods: One hundred caregivers (30 physicians, 50 internship nursing students, and 20 nurses midwives). Materials: The intervention comprised a CD-ROM with accompanying information sheets on drugs for lactating women. Study setting: Departments of Obstetric and Pediatric at Obstetric and Pediatric University Hospital at El Minia University, Egypt from first of July to last of September/ 2013. Results: There was an increase in scores relating to knowledge about breastfeeding after training, especially for the physicians and for those who did not have children. Internship nursing students improved their scores on recognition of the symptoms of poor attachment at the breast, and physicians showed greatest improvement in resolving sore nipples and recognizing nipple thrush. Changes in practice were reported and positive comments made about involving physicians and internship nursing students together in practice-based education. Conclusion: There is a need for using an electronic teaching resource and it is feasible for updating the knowledge of the caregivers. It can help to improve breastfeeding expertise and advice about breastfeeding problem management. Also caregive.rs need training about breastfeeding, as well as refresher courses for trained caregivers. Recommendation: Larger evaluation which also explored the training in terms of women's experiences of care and measured breastfeeding outcomes.

Researching breastfeeding awareness in primary schools

Despite a wide range of interventions, the effective promotion of breastfeeding continues to be challenging, particularly among women from communities where infants are usually formula milk fed. It has been suggested that infant feeding education in primary schools might enable positive breastfeeding attitudes to be adopted that could influence choices in adulthood. However, little is known about children's awareness or receptiveness to this subject, and there is a lack of evidence on which to base potential educational interventions. Although breastfeeding research in primary schools may perhaps appear unnecessary or premature, a case for study in this field can be demonstrated.

The relationship between personal breastfeeding experience and the breastfeeding attitudes, knowledge, confidence and effectiveness of Australian GP registrars

In conjunction with other health professionals, doctors believe they play an important role in promoting breastfeeding to women. Although many have positive breastfeeding attitudes, significant knowledge deficits often limit their capacity to effectively encourage, support and assist breastfeeding women and their infants. Personal breastfeeding experience (of self or partner) may be the main source of breastfeeding knowledge and skill development and is related to improved knowledge, more positive attitudes and greater confidence. This paper describes the relationship between the cumulative length of personal breastfeeding experience and the breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes of a cohort of Australian general practice (GP) registrars, as well as their confidence and perceived effectiveness assisting breastfeeding women. The Australian Breastfeeding Knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire containing demographic items, a 20-item attitude scale and a 40-item knowledge scale was distributed between February and May 2007 to Australian GP registrars in their final year of training. Participants with more than 52-week cumulative personal (self or partner) breastfeeding experience had the highest mean knowledge score, had more positive attitudes, and were more confident and effective than all other participants. Parents with limited personal experience (<or=26 weeks) had the poorest breastfeeding attitudes and their knowledge base was similar to participants with no personal experience. Confidence and perceived effectiveness when assisting breastfeeding women rose with increasing cumulative breastfeeding experience. Personal breastfeeding experience per se does not guarantee better breastfeeding knowledge or attitudes although increasing length of experience is related to higher knowledge, attitude, confidence and perceived effectiveness scores.

Maternal Breastfeeding Attitudes: Association with Breastfeeding Intent and Socio-demographics Among Urban Primiparas

Breastfeeding is associated with improved developmental and social outcomes for an infant. Despite these health benefits, only 54% of women breastfeed in the early postpartum period. Although an understanding of socio-demographic characteristics, breastfeeding intent, and breastfeeding attitudes can facilitate breastfeeding initiatives, these factors have not been characterized particularly for urban and immigrant mothers. The objectives of this study are to provide a descriptive analysis of the socio-demographic characteristics, breastfeeding intent, and breastfeeding attitudes of primiparas presenting to an inner city prenatal clinic and determine if breastfeeding attitudes are associated with breastfeeding intent and socio-demographic variables. Of 100 primiparas, 79 reported the intent to breastfeed. Breastfeeding intent was associated with 1) positive breastfeeding attitudes, 2) higher household incomes, 3) being born outside the US, 4) being Afro-Caribbean as opposed to African American, 5) having family, peer, and partner support for breastfeeding, 6) attending breastfeeding classes, and 7) greater years of education. These findings suggest that targeting breastfeeding initiatives towards low-income, less educated, US born mothers who lack breastfeeding support from their loved ones may improve breastfeeding rates among urban primiparas.