Factors Explaining Mothers' Breastfeeding Satisfaction

Kim, Sun Hee

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.