Maternal perceptions of partner support during breastfeeding

作者：Cynthia Mannion, Amy J. Hobbs, Sheila McDonald, Suzanne Tough · 发表于：International Breastfeeding Journal · 年份：2013 · DOI：10.1186/1746-4358-8-4 · 被引用次数：173 · 研究领域：Breastfeeding Practices and Influences、Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum、Infant Development and Preterm Care

BACKGROUND: Many women find breastfeeding challenging to sustain beyond the first three postpartum months. Women rely on a variety of resources to aid and encourage breastfeeding, including 'partner support'. Women's perception of partner support during breastfeeding may influence maternal satisfaction and confidence but it remains understudied. We asked women about their perceptions of partner support during breastfeeding and measured the effect on maternal confidence, commitment, and satisfaction with respect to breastfeeding. METHODS: Using a descriptive, cross sectional design, we recruited 76 mothers from community health clinics in Calgary, Alberta. Participants completed a questionnaire addressing perceptions of partner support, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES) measuring maternal confidence and ability to breastfeed, and the Hill and Humenick Lactation Scale (HHLS) measuring commitment, perceived infant satiety, and breastfeeding satisfaction. Descriptive analysis was performed on socio-demographic and survey responses. Multiple regression modeling was used to examine the association between partner support and breastfeeding outcomes. RESULTS: Women who reported active/positive support from their partners scored higher on the BSES (p < 0.019) than those reporting ambivalent/negative partner support when we controlled for previous breastfeeding experience and age of infant. There were no significant differences between the two groups of women on total score ...