Predicting breastfeeding duration related to maternal attitudes in a taiwanese sample

The purpose of this study was to examine maternal attitudes and sociodemographic variables associated with Taiwanese mothers' continuation of breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum. A sample of 140 in-hospital breastfeeding mothers was recruited in Taiwan. Participants completed the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) in the hospital prior to discharge. Postdischarge participants were contacted by telephone at 3 and 6 weeks postpartum to obtain information regarding their feeding method and duration. Findings revealed that in-hospital maternal breastfeeding attitudes are predictive of breastfeeding duration. Insufficient milk supply was the reason most often given for discontinuing breastfeeding. Women's husband/partner was found to be the main source of breastfeeding support. We recommend health-care professionals add the IIFAS to their assessment to identify mothers at high risk for discontinuing breastfeeding and to develop and better evaluate breastfeeding promotion programs.     

A Grandmothers’ Tea: Evaluation of a Breastfeeding Support Intervention

This study’s purpose was to evaluate an intervention to facilitate grandmothers’ knowledge and support of breastfeeding. A pilot study with a quasi-experimental two-group posttest design was used to evaluate whether the intervention made a difference in grandmothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and intent to recommend breastfeeding. The 26 grandmothers in the intervention group attended A Grandmothers’ Tea program; the 23 grandmothers in the control group received written information. The intervention group had greater posttest knowledge scores than the control group but had no significant differences in attitudes or intent. However, a significant difference was evident between the attitude scores of grandmothers who breastfed their infants and of grandmothers who did not breastfeed their infants regardless of receiving the intervention.     

Sex and Breastfeeding: An Educational Perspective

Expectant and new parents have many concerns regarding the relationship between sexuality and breastfeeding. How is a new mother''s libido affected by breastfeeding? Why do some women get sexually excited when breastfeeding? Is this frequent or normal? How does the partner feel about breasts full of milk? Why do breasts leak during a woman''s orgasm? Perinatal educators are in a privileged position to reassure these parents about this relationship while promoting the breastfeeding bond between the mother and child and the intimacy bond between the parents.     

Factors related to breastfeeding discontinuation between hospital discharge and 2 weeks postpartum

Although breastfeeding is known to be beneficial to both mother and infant, many women encounter barriers to breastfeeding, even after successful breastfeeding initiation, which may put them at greater risk for early cessation of breastfeeding. The objectives of this study were to conduct a secondary analysis of data from a longitudinal study of postpartum depression to (a) examine factors related to very early discontinuation of breastfeeding (at 2 weeks postpartum) following hospital discharge and (b) identify women's reasons for very early cessation of breastfeeding. The results of this study support findings from previous research. Having a perceived support system, whether it is personal or professional, may have an effect on both the initiation and duration of breastfeeding. Educating expectant and new mothers, especially women who encounter multiple barriers and are at risk for very early cessation of breastfeeding, of the benefits of breastfeeding and supporting them in developing efficient techniques and problem-solving skills can help increase the duration of breastfeeding.     

影响早期母乳喂养的问题及护理

目的探讨早期母乳喂养存在的问题及护理措施。方法分析总结1882例新生儿母乳喂养情况。结果通过早期对产妇进行母乳喂养的适时帮助,大大提高了早期母乳喂养的成功率。结论开展系统宣传教育,采取综合护理措施是提高早期母乳喂养成功率的保证。     

Breastfeeding Attitudes and Knowledge in Bachelor of Science in Nursing Candidates

Breastfeeding is an important health topic worldwide, although lack of breastfeeding knowledge is noted among health-care professionals. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes in undergraduate nursing students at the beginning and end of their clinical education. An electronic survey, based on the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale and the Breastfeeding Knowledge Questionnaire, was administered. Attitude scores did not differ significantly between groups. Total knowledge scores between groups differed modestly (p = .006). Correlations between total knowledge and total attitude scores were found (r[89] = .482, p < .000). Respondents reported that nursing education effectively teaches breastfeeding and that breastfeeding advocacy through patient education is a crucial nursing role.     

Analysis and Application of the Concept of Modesty to Breastfeeding

Modesty may be a significant variable impacting breast- feeding outcomes in western cultures, yet this term has received minimal attention in the breastfeeding literature. An analysis of the concept of modesty was conducted to gain greater understanding of the potential impact of modesty on breastfeeding outcomes. Various uses of the term modesty and particularly modesty in the context of breastfeeding are discussed in this paper. The defining attributes of breastfeeding modesty are identified and examples are provided. Implications for research and clinical practice are suggested.     

Evaluation of a Practice-Development Initiative to Improve Breastfeeding Rates

The benefits of breastfeeding for infant, mother, family, and community are well recognized, and increasing breastfeeding rates is considered an important health-promotion strategy. Improving breastfeeding knowledge and practice among individuals caring for breastfeeding women is considered an important aspect of this strategy. The practice-development initiative described in this article aimed to improve hospital-based breastfeeding rates through the implementation of The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. The initiative included the development and implementation of an education program aimed at changing and improving breastfeeding practices. The program was evaluated in three ways: changes in breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge; client preparation for breastfeeding and satisfaction during the postnatal period; and staff knowledge and skills.     

A road map for change: ensuring that women have breastfeeding support

Despite new policy changes and national dialogue about breastfeeding, significant barriers in all sectors of society continue to exist for most women who decide to breastfeed. Breastfeeding rates fall short of current medical recommendations and our nation's own public health goals, resulting in significant health and economic impacts. The launch of The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding provides an opportunity for a society-wide approach in removing barriers that make it difficult for many women to succeed. Childbirth educators are urged to use these action steps as a springboard to influence lasting change so that all women have the opportunity to breastfeed their children.     

An Integrative Review: The Role of the Doula in Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration

The objective of this integrative review was to assess birth and postpartum doulas'' roles in supporting breastfeeding initiation and duration. The electronic databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, PubMed, and Scopus were searched using the key terms doula and breastfeeding. Fourteen articles met inclusion criteria. Six key themes were identified. Doulas may acquire only modest amounts of lactation-specific education; however, doula care still enhances the breastfeeding care provided by health-care professionals. Doulas offer prenatal and intrapartum support that encourages breastfeeding initiation in the hospital, as well as providing breastfeeding support in the community and home settings. This reinforces the unique role of the doula in bolstering maternal–infant health. The effect of doulas on breastfeeding duration is less clear.     

A Realistic Evaluation of Two Training Programs on Implementing Skin-to-Skin as a Standard of Care

The authors used realistic evaluation to examine the real-world effectiveness of two 5-day training techniques on sustained optimal skin-to-skin practices that support Step 4 of the revised Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). The authors found that education alone was insufficient to effect sustainable practice change. Exposure to the 5-day immersion model (Practice, Reflection, Education and training, Combined with Ethnography for Sustainable Success, or PRECESS) alone or combined with education was an effective strategy to change and sustain the standard of care for skin-to-skin practice (p < 0.00001). The intended outcome of sustained practice change toward implementation of skin-to-skin care through immersion or a combined approach shows promise and should be repeated in other localities.     

New Resources for Childbirth Educators and Parents

In this column, reviewers offer perspectives and comments on a variety of new media resources for childbirth educators and for expectant and new parents. From audio CDs on building one''s birthing business endeavor to books for expectant parents focusing on breastfeeding, calming babies, cosleeping, and supplementing what is learned in a childbirth class, the marketplace always has new resources to offer.     

The Evaluation of Training for Health-Care Professionals and Community Leaders Regarding 6-Month Exclusive Breastfeeding in Northeast Thailand

To address the reduction of the 6-month exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rate in Northeast Thailand, a 3-year 6-month EBF intervention model was developed using concept mapping. A training for health-care professionals and community leaders was prioritized as the initial intervention. The aim was to assess the feasibility of the training intervention and its potential to improve 6-month EBF knowledge. A pre- and posttest, and an open question were conducted. Data were analyzed using t tests and thematic analysis. For the 17 health-care professionals and community leaders who participated, the mean 6-month EBF knowledge scores improved significantly from 5.28 to 10.21 (p value < .01). It is recommended that this workshop could be duplicated and scaled up in other regions across Thailand to standardize care.     

A History of Infant Feeding

The historical evolution of infant feeding includes wet nursing, the feeding bottle, and formula use. Before the invention of bottles and formula, wet nursing was the safest and most common alternative to the natural mother''s breastmilk. Society''s negative view of wet nursing, combined with improvements of the feeding bottle, the availability of animal''s milk, and advances in formula development, gradually led to the substitution of artificial feeding for wet nursing. In addition, the advertising and safety of formula products increased their popularity and use among society. Currently, infant formula-feeding is widely practiced in the United States and appears to contribute to the development of several common childhood illnesses, including atopy, diabetes mellitus, and childhood obesity.     

Four research findings that will change what we think about perinatal depression

Research by health psychologists is changing what we know about perinatal depression. In this guest editorial, the author examines depression in pregnant and breastfeeding women in light of this recent research and describes four major findings that are influencing how we think about depression in new mothers: inflammation has an etiologic role in depression, a relationship exists between sleep disturbances and depression, breastfeeding protects maternal mental health, and all effective treatments for depression are anti-inflammatory interventions.     

Helpful Resources for Childbirth Educators and Parents

In this column, reviewers offer perspectives and comments on a variety of current media resources (books, DVDs, booklets, and teaching aids) that address pregnancy and birth.