A Description of the Relationship between Breastfeeding Experiences,Breastfeeding Satisfaction,and Weaning in the First 3 Months after Birth

Abstract

This longitudinal study describes the relationships among breastfeeding experiences, maternal breastfeeding satisfaction (measured by the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale [MBFES]), and weaning in the first 3 months postpartum. Postal surveys were used to collect data antenatally and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months postpartum from 365 women recruited from 3 public hospitals in Australia. Breastfeeding problems were associated with a reduction in MBFES subscale scores (P < .05) but not with weaning. Infant breastfeeding satisfaction subscale score was negatively associated with perceived inadequate milk supply (P < .05) and positively associated with engorgement (P < .05). Significant predictors of weaning at all points were total MBFES score in the lowest tertile (adjusted odds ratios [ORs]: 2 weeks, 21.9; > 2-6 weeks, 14.6; > 6 weeks to 3 months, 6.4) and leaking milk (adjusted ORs: ≤ 2 weeks, 0.23;>2-6 weeks, 0.19;>6 weeks to 3 months, 0.15). Perceived inadequate milk was a significant predictor only for weaning > 2 to 6 weeks (adjusted OR=4.2). J Hum Lact. 19(2):145-156.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

1. Donath S, Amir LH. Rates of breastfeeding in Australia by state and socioeconomic status: evidence from the 1995 National Health Survey. J Ped Child Health. 2000;36:164-168.

2. Nutbeam D, Wise M, Bauman A, Harris E, Leeder S. Goals and Targets for Australia's Health in the Year 2000 and Beyond. Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service; 1993.

3. Scott JA, Landers MC, Hughes R, Binns CW. Psychosocial factors associated with the abandonment of breastfeeding prior to hospital discharge. J Hum Lact. 2001;17:24-30.

4. Hailes JF, Wellard SJ. Support for breastfeeding in the first postpartum month: perceptions of breastfeeding women. Breast Rev. 2000;8:5-9.

5. Lowe T. An investigation of the problems experienced with breastfeeding and the reasons for early breastfeeding failure among primiparous mothers. Breast Rev. 1988;November:73-74.

6. Bottorff J. Persistence in breastfeeding: a phenomenological investigation. J Adv Nurs. 1990;15:201-209.

7. Leff EW, Jefferis SC, Gagne MP. The development of the maternal breastfeeding evaluation scale. J Hum Lact. 1994;10:105-111.

8. Leff EW, Gagne MP, Jefferis SC. Maternal perceptions of successful breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1994;10:99-104.

9. Hauck YL, Dimmock JE. Evaluation of an information booklet on breastfeeding duration: a clinical trial. J Adv Nurs. 1994;20:836-843.

10.

10. Tarkka MP, Paunonen M, Laippala P. Factors related to successful breast feeding by first-time mothers when the child is 3 months old. J Adv Nurs. 1999;9:113-118.

11.

11. Labbok M, Krasovec K. Towards consistency in breastfeeding definitions. Stud Fam Plan. 1990;21:226-230.

12.

12. Riordan JM, Woodley G, Heaton K. Testing validity and reliability of an instrument which measures maternal evaluation of breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1994;10:231-235.

13.

13. Scott JA, Aitkin I, Binns CW, Aroni RA. Factors associated with the duration of breastfeeding amongst women in Perth, Australia. Acta Paediatrica. 1999;88:416-421.

14.

14. Woolridge M. Aetiology of sore nipples. Midwifery. 1986;2:172-176.

15.

15. Bailey VF, Sherriff J. Reasons for the early cessation of breastfeeding in women from lower socio-economic groups in Perth, Western Australia. J Nutr Diet. 1992;49:40-43.

16.

16. Stamp G, Crowther C. Breastfeeding—why start? why stop? A prospective survey of South Australian women. Breast Rev. 1995;3:15-19.