Korean J Women Health Nurs.  2009 Dec;15(4):270-279. 10.4069/kjwhn.2009.15.4.270.

Factors Explaining Mothers' Breastfeeding Satisfaction

• Kim SH

• KMID: 2308024
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4069/kjwhn.2009.15.4.270

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was done to investigate the level of breastfeeding satisfaction, the relationship among knowledge about breastfeeding, attitude toward breastfeeding, self-efficacy of breastfeeding, intention of breastfeeding, and perceived social encouragement of breastfeeding and the factors influencing breastfeeding satisfaction in mothers 3~6 months after birth. METHODS: For this descriptive research, 209 mothers who had been breastfeeding their babies agreed to participate in this study. Data on mother's satisfaction, knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, intention, and perceived social encouragement regarding breastfeeding were collected by closed-ended questionnaires on September 14, 2007 at a contest for healthy breast-fed babies. RESULTS: The major findings of this study were as follows: First, there were significant differences in the breastfeeding satisfaction level according to planned length of breastfeeding (F=10.43, p<.001). Second, there was a significant relationship between breastfeeding satisfaction and knowledge about breastfeeding (r=.37, p<.001), attitude toward breastfeeding (r=.62, p<.001), self-efficacy of breastfeeding (r=.66, p<.001), intention of breastfeeding (r=.40, p<.001), and perceived social encouragement of breastfeeding (r=.32, p<.001). Finally, the strongest factor affecting mothers' breastfeeding satisfaction was attitude toward breastfeeding (beta=.38). Other factors included self-efficacy of breastfeeding (beta=.36), knowledge about breastfeeding (beta=.14), perceived social encouragement of breastfeeding (beta=.10), and planned length of breastfeeding (beta=.10). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that nurses should help mothers improve breastfeeding satisfaction through promotion of knowledge about, attitudes toward, and self-efficacy of breastfeeding.

Keyword

Attitude; Breastfeeding; Knowledge; Personal satisfaction; Self efficacy

MeSH Terms

Breast Feeding
Humans
Intention
Mothers
Parturition
Personal Satisfaction
Surveys and Questionnaires
Self Efficacy

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