A longitudinal study of the effect of psychosocial factors on exclusive breastfeeding duration. Issue 1 (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de Jager, Emily; Broadbent, Jaclyn; Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, Matthew; Nagle, Cate; McPhie, Skye; Skouteris, Helen
• Is Part Of: Midwifery. Volume 31:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 103
• Page End: 111
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Exclusive breastfeeding -- breastfeeding duration -- Psychosocial factors; Midwifery -- Periodicals; Midwifery -- Periodicals; Sages-femmes -- Périodiques; Midwifery; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618.2005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2014.06.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-6138

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: to examine the effect of psychosocial factors on exclusive breastfeeding duration to six months postpartum Design: longitudinal, prospective questionnaire based study. Setting: participants were recruited from a publically funded antenatal clinic located in the western metropolitan region of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and asked to complete questionnaires at three time points; 32 weeks pregnancy, two months postpartum and six months postpartum. Participants: the participants were 125 pregnant women aged 22–44 years. Measurements and findings: psychosocial variables such as breastfeeding self-efficacy, body attitude, psychological adjustment, attitude towards pregnancy, intention, confidence and motivation to exclusively breastfeed and importance of exclusive breastfeeding were assessed using a range of psychometrically validated tools. Exclusive breastfeeding behaviour up to six months postpartum was also measured. At 32 weeks gestation a woman׳s confidence to achieve exclusive breastfeeding was a direct predictor of exclusive breastfeeding duration to six months postpartum. At two months postpartum, psychological adjustment and breastfeeding self-efficacy were predictive of exclusive breastfeeding duration. Finally, at six months postpartum, psychological adjustment, breastfeeding self-efficacy, confidence to maintain and feeling fat were directly predictive of exclusive breastfeeding duration. Key conclusions: psychosocial factors are significantly predictive of exclusive breastfeeding duration. Self-efficacy, psychological adjustment, body image, motivation and confidence are all important psychosocial factors implicated in a woman׳s ability to maintain exclusive breastfeeding over time. Implications for practice: Individualised antenatal breastfeeding education and support may be strengthened by strategies that build a woman׳s confidence to exclusive breastfeeding. Implementing psychosocial supports and methods providing positive feedback that increase a women׳s self-efficacy to exclusively breastfeed to six months are also important two months postpartum.