A concept analysis of effective breastfeeding.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a concept analysis of effective breastfeeding.


METHODS
Medline and CINAHL electronic databases, reference lists from selected articles, and 7 breastfeeding assessment tools. Search terms included the following: breastfeeding and effective, adequate, successful.


METHODS
Literature was selected according to whether the concept of effective breastfeeding was defined or described.


METHODS
Literature was reviewed and data organized as definitions or descriptions, with descriptions grouped into categories sharing similar characteristics.


RESULTS
Four characteristics were chosen as essential attributes of effective breastfeeding: positioning, latch, sucking, and milk transfer.


CONCLUSIONS
The concept of effective breastfeeding requires further concept development to define and describe effective positioning, latch, sucking, and milk transfer. Future research is needed to determine the relationships between the antecedents, attributes, and consequences of effective breastfeeding.
Mulder
Pamela J
PJ
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 53201-0143, USA. pjmulder@uwm.edu
D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D016389:Maternal-Child Nursing; D008895:Milk, Human; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D013391:Sucking Behavior