Effect of Maternal Confidence on Breastfeeding Duration: An Application of Breastfeeding Self‐Efficacy Theory

TLDR

Breastfeeding initiation and duration are influenced by many factors, yet most high‑risk determinants are nonmodifiable demographics. The study aimed to identify modifiable factors—specifically maternal breastfeeding self‑efficacy—that predict duration and to propose interventions that boost confidence. The authors surveyed 300 pregnant women in Brisbane, conducting telephone interviews at 1 week and 4 months postpartum to measure feeding practices and self‑efficacy with the Breastfeeding Self‑Efficacy Scale. High antenatal and early postpartum self‑efficacy scores strongly predicted continued and exclusive breastfeeding at 4 months, while 40 % of mothers discontinued by that time, mainly due to perceived insufficient milk.

Abstract

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.