The Influence of Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy on Breastfeeding Behavior of Taiwanese Pregnant Women.

BACKGROUND

The benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants are well known. However, in Taiwan, the average breastfeeding rate remains below the World Health Organization recommendations. Breastfeeding self-efficacy is a known predictor of breastfeeding.

RESEARCH AIMS

To determine: (1) the relationship of sociodemographic factors to prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy, and (2) the relationship of sociodemographic factors and prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy to breastfeeding behavior at 8 weeks postpartum among women living in Taiwan.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of 206 pregnant women collected in an outpatient clinic located in Taiwan. The validated Chinese version of the Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (PBSES) was used to measure self-efficacy for breastfeeding during pregnancy. At 8 weeks postpartum, participants were contacted by telephone to obtain information regarding infant feeding method and duration.

RESULTS

The mean age of the pregnant women was 32 years, and the mean prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy score was 78.6 ( = 10.6). Scores differed across levels of maternal education, previous breastfeeding experience, and support systems. Prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy scores were highest among participants reporting spouse support versus other types of support. Maternal age and prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy were predictive of breastfeeding duration. A 1-year increase in maternal age was associated with a 6% lower likelihood of breastfeeding for at least 2 months postpartum, and a 1-point increase in the prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy score was associated with a 14% increase in the likelihood of breastfeeding for at least 2 months postpartum.

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy may help predict breastfeeding continuation among Taiwanese women in the first 2 months postpartum.