The relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy and perceived insufficient milk among Japanese mothers.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between maternal perceptions of insufficient milk and breastfeeding confidence using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Two hundred and sixty-two in-hospital breastfeeding mothers in Japan.


METHODS
Breastfeeding self-efficacy was measured in-hospital and perception of insufficient milk was measured at 4 weeks postpartum.


RESULTS
Although most mothers intended to exclusively breastfeed, less than 40% were doing so at 4 weeks postpartum. Among the mothers using formula, 73% cited perceived insufficient milk as the primary reason for supplementation or completely discontinuing breastfeeding. Mothers' perception of insufficient milk at 4 weeks postpartum were significantly related to breastfeeding self-efficacy in hospital in the immediate postpartum period (r=.45, p<.001). Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that breastfeeding self-efficacy explained 21% of the variance in maternal perceptions of insufficient milk, and the contribution was independent of sociodemographic variables.


CONCLUSIONS
Enhancing breastfeeding self-efficacy in the immediate postpartum period may reduce maternal perceptions of insufficient milk and the premature discontinuation or supplementation of breastfeeding. Additional research is warranted.
Otsuka
Keiko
K
Department of International Community Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. keikonanishi@yahoo.co.jp
Dennis
Cindy-Lee
CL
Tatsuoka
Hisae
H
Jimba
Masamine
M
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015984:Causality; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006771:Hospitals, Maternity; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007564:Japan; D007775:Lactation Disorders / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010298:Parity; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000208:ethnology; D011247:Pregnancy; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D012044:Regression Analysis; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires