A Follow-up Survey of Mothers' Antenatal Breast-feeding Plans

Kim, Hae Soon; Seo, Jeong Wan; Kim, Yong Joo; Lee, Kee Hyoung; Kim, Jae Young; Ko, Jae Sung; Bae, Sun Hwan; Park, Hye Sook

Abstract

PURPOSE
To investigate the success rate and factors that influence breast-feeding among women having antenatal breast-feeding plans.
METHODS
Questionnaires included items on success in breast-feeding, reasons for failure and perinatal factors. It was done by telephone calls to 152 randomly selected women having antenatal breast-feeding plans at 4 months after delivery. The questionnaires were analysed by bivariate x2- analysis.
RESULTS
The breast-feeding rate for the first four months among women having antenatal breast- feeding plans was 37.5%. The major reason for breast-feeding failure was insufficient amount of breast milk(66.3%). The breast-feeding rate was 2.3(95% CI 1.15-4.62) times higher in women having antenatal breast-feeding plans for longer than 4 months(P<0.05), but maternal age, breast-feeding for previous baby, person advocating breast-feeding, and family size were not significant factors of success in breast-feeding. The breast-feeding rate of graduates of college was 0.43(95% CI 0.21- 0.86) times lower than that of graduates of high school. The breast-feeding rate of employed mothers was 0.37(95% CI 0.17-0.83) times lower than that of housewives(P<0.05). Maternal disease, smoking, alcohol drinking, and understanding and knowledge about breast-feeding were not significant determinant factors of success in breast-feeding. Breast-feeding rate of infant born at local obstetric clinics was 3.97(95% CI 11-14.23) times higher than that of infant at general hospital(P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
To increase the breast-feeding, medical personnel should educate mothers on problems during breast-feeding. Hospital polices that facilitate breast-feeding such as rooming-in must be promoted. For employed mothers, strategies for breast-feeding within companies must be encouraged.