Breastfeeding Experiences of Strongly Committed Women: Correlates of Maternal Satisfaction

摘要

Breast milk is clearly the superior infant nutrition for the first year of life. This fact is extensively supported by the literature. The purpose of this study was to assess the breastfeeding experiences of strongly committed women, and correlates of maternal satisfaction and duration. This pilot study utilized a quasi-experimental design; 17 subjects completed the study, women who had planned deliveries at 1 of 2 Southeastern United States hospitals. Subjects were assessed prenatally for demographic characteristics; at 1 and 8-weeks postpartum, for maternal satisfaction and breastfeeding duration. Data analysis revealed a negative correlation between newborn age at first breastfeeding and maternal satisfaction with RN breastfeeding assistance at that time. Maternal satisfaction at 1-week postpartum was positively correlated with satisfaction with RN breastfeeding assistance during the first 24-hours. A positive correlation was noted between length of time planned to breastfeed in the third trimester and 8-weeks postpartum.