J Korean Acad Child Health Nurs.  2006 Oct;12(4):495-505.

Study of Growth and Development of Breast-fed Infants and Parenting Experience of their Mothers

• Kwon IS
• Lee SY
• Baek KS
• Yang YO
• Lee JW
• Jung HM
• Park JH
• Shin SC

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to describe growth and development of breast-fed infants and to depict experiences of breastfeeding mothers. METHOD: The data were collected from 145 infants and mothers participating in A Healthy Breastfeeding Infant Contest. The instrument used for this study was a self-report questionnaire completed by the participants and an evaluation record completed by the examiners.
RESULTS
The more specific results of the study are as follows: the weight of the infants was much higher than the Korean Standards. The height of infants was not significantly different from the Korean Standards except for 5 month old male infants. The results of Denver II showed all 145 infants were classified as normal. The breastfeeding experiences in mothers was as follows; 31.7% of the mothers breastfed for 5 months, 48.3% wanted to breastfed as long as the baby wanted. The mothers pointed out that the difficult problem in breastfeeding was insufficient breastfeeding room in public areas. What mothers want to know related to breastfeeding was, breastfeeding duration, time to begin solid food and recommended amounts, time to discontinue breastfeeding at sleep time and appropriate methods.
CONCLUSION
Mothers' experience in breastfeeding was positive. We should provide mothers a comfortable place in public areas for breastfeeding. Based on the result of the study it's propose that health professionals must intervene in breast care during both antepartum and early postpartum periods.

Keyword

Infant; Mothers; Parenting; Breast feeding

MeSH Terms

Breast
Breast Feeding
Growth and Development*
Health Occupations
Humans
Infant*
Male
Mothers*
Parenting*
Parents*
Postpartum Period
Child Health
Surveys and Questionnaires