Degree
Master of Science
Program
Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Supervisor
Dr. Shauna Burke
Abstract
Exclusive breastfeeding is associated with numerous health benefits for both mother and child, and is recommended for the first 6 months of an infant’s life. The purpose of this prospective study was to examine, using a survey-based design, the breastfeeding practices, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers and facilitators of primiparous mothers in London, Ontario. A total of 71 women (Mage = 30.0, SD = 4.3) participated in the study. Women (breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding) were asked to complete online surveys at three time points: < 4 weeks postpartum, 3 months postpartum, and 6 months postpartum. Results indicated that rates of exclusive breastfeeding decreased over time, whereas partial and non-breastfeeding rates increased. Women in the exclusive breastfeeding category reported the greatest levels of breastfeeding self-efficacy at all time points. Lastly, participants identified a number of breastfeeding-related facilitators (e.g., partner support, community services) and barriers (e.g., insufficient milk supply, latching difficulties).
Recommended Citation
Smith, Jessica W., "Food For Health: An Investigation of Infant Feeding Practices, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy, and Perceived Barriers and Facilitators" (2014). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 2281.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/2281
Included in
Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons, Family Practice Nursing Commons, Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons, Nursing Midwifery Commons, Pediatric Nursing Commons, Public Health and Community Nursing Commons