CQUniversity
Browse

Exploring the influence of psychological factors on breastfeeding duration, phase 1: Perceptions of mothers and clinicians

journal contribution
posted on 2019-11-26, 00:00 authored by ML O'Brien, E Buikstra, T Fallon, Desley Hegney
Breastfeeding duration rates in Australia are low, prompting a search for modifiable factors capable of increasing the duration of breastfeeding. In this study, participants were asked which psychological factors they believed influence breastfeeding duration. Participants included 3 groups of mothers who had breastfed for varied lengths of time (n = 17), and 1 group of breastfeeding clinicians (n = 4). The nominal group technique was employed, involving a structured group meeting progressing through several steps. Analyses included collation of individual and group responses, group comparisons, and a thematic analysis of group discussions. Forty-five psychological factors thought to influence the duration of breastfeeding were identified. Factors considered most important included the mother's priorities and mothering self-efficacy, faith in breast milk, adaptability, stress, and breastfeeding self-efficacy. In addition to informing the design of phase 2 of this study, these results add to our knowledge of this emerging research area. © Copyright 2009 International Lactation Consultant Association.

History

Volume

25

Issue

1

Start Page

55

End Page

63

Number of Pages

9

eISSN

1552-5732

ISSN

0890-3344

Peer Reviewed

  • Yes

Open Access

  • No

Acceptance Date

2008-09-02

Journal

Journal of Human Lactation