Exclusive breastfeeding, breastfeeding self-efficacy and perception of milk supply among mothers in Singapore: A longitudinal study. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Roza, Jacqueline Giovanna; Fong, Mew Keng; Ang, Bee Leng; Sadon, Roslinda Bte; Koh, Eileen Yi Ling; Teo, Stephanie Swee Hong
• Is Part Of: Midwifery. Volume 79(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Exclusive breastfeeding -- Perception of milk supply -- Breastfeeding self-efficacy -- Breastfeeding intention -- Breastfeeding experience; Midwifery -- Periodicals; Midwifery -- Periodicals; Sages-femmes -- Périodiques; Midwifery; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618.2005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2019.102532
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-6138

Abstract

Highlights: Validated tool reliably measured breastfeeding self-efficacy. Validated tool identified maternal perceived milk insufficiency. Higher breastfeeding self-efficacy predicted exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months. Maternal perceived milk sufficiency predicted exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months. Breastfeeding intention at baseline affected breastfeeding exclusivity at 6 months. Abstract: Aim: This study aimed to examine the factors that affect exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in Singapore. Design & Participants: This was a longitudinal study over 6 months. Data was collected on 400 mothers with breastfed infants who attended at primary care clinics. Method: Mothers completed self-administered questionnaires on breastfeeding practices, demographic factors, breastfeeding self-efficacy and perception of milk supply at three time points: baseline and follow up visits at infant age 3 months and 6 months. The tools used were the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (Short form) (BSES-SF) and Perception of Insufficient Milk (PIM) questionnaire. Findings: Exclusive breastfeeding rate was 38.2% at infant age 6 months. Baseline breastfeeding self-efficacy and perception of milk supply scores were significantly higher for mothers who continued exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months compared to those who had stopped exclusive breastfeeding ( p < .01). Generalized Estimating Equation model (GEE) showed that mothers who had tertiary education (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.24–5.66), planned to breastfeed for at least 6 months (OR 6.81, 95% CI 2.15–21.57), had baseline BSES-SF above 50 (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.07–3.54) and PIM scores above 20 (OR 4.05, 95% CI 2.35–6.97) were significantly more likely to be exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months.