A correlational study examining the relationships among maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy, problem-solving skills, satisfaction with breastfeeding experience, and duration

White, Marilyn L. (2002) A correlational study examining the relationships among maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy, problem-solving skills, satisfaction with breastfeeding experience, and duration. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The breastfeeding initiation rate in Newfoundland and Labrador is well below national standards, and is further compromised by high attrition rates, despite evidence confirming the superiority of breast milk for infant health. It is becoming more apparent from the literature that breastfeeding confidence and problem-solving are factors affecting breastfeeding success. These factors were investigated in this study in relation to the outcome variables of breastfeeding satisfaction and duration. The study was guided by a conceptual framework based on Self-Efficacy Theory (Bandura, 1977) and the concept of Learned Resourcefulness (Rosenbaum, 1983). -- A descriptive correlational design was used with a sample of 57 breastfeeding mothers to address the questions of differences in breastfeeding confidence over time, differences between experienced and first time breastfeeders in relation to breastfeeding confidence, problem-solving, satisfaction, and duration, as well as the relationships among these variables. Data were collected using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES), the Problem-Solving Related to the Baby's Feeding Scale (PS-F), the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale (MBFES), a Demographic Profile, and through telephone interviews at three time frames. Data were analysed using SPSS 9.0 for Windows. -- The findings of this study indicated that the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding were far below established breastfeeding standards. The major reason cited for discontinuing breastfeeding was perceived insufficient milk supply. All mothers scored relatively high on measures of breastfeeding confidence, problem-solving and satisfaction. No significant differences were found between confidence scores overtime. First time mothers scored lower than experienced mothers in breastfeeding confidence, problem-solving, satisfaction, and duration rates, although only confidence and satisfaction scores were significantly different. Numerous positive relationships existed among the study variables, often with significant differences being noted between experienced and first time breastfeeders. For the total group of mothers, and for experienced breastfeeders, breastfeeding confidence at 4 weeks postpartum accounted for the greatest amount of variance in the breastfeeding outcomes of satisfaction and duration. For first time breastfeeders, breastfeeding problem- solving at 4 weeks postpartum accounted for the most variance in satisfaction, while breastfeeding confidence at 4 weeks postpartum accounted for the most variance in duration. The findings lend support to the proposed theoretical framework. -- Findings indicate that breastfeeding confidence and problem-solving are important variables for nurses to consider when planning interventions for promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding, as these variables are positively related to breastfeeding satisfaction and duration. Future research should focus on using the BSES and PS-F in different populations, exploring factors which facilitate or hinder breastfeeding confidence, examining the problem-solving process used by breastfeeding mothers, and further exploring factors which affect breastfeeding satisfaction.

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