title: A longitudinal study of the effect of psychosocial factors on exclusive breastfeeding duration.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  to examine the effect of psychosocial factors on exclusive breastfeeding duration to six months postpartum
  
  
  METHODS
  longitudinal, prospective questionnaire based study.
  
  
  METHODS
  participants were recruited from a publically funded antenatal clinic located in the western metropolitan region of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and asked to complete questionnaires at three time points; 32 weeks pregnancy, two months postpartum and six months postpartum.
  
  
  METHODS
  the participants were 125 pregnant women aged 22-44 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  psychosocial variables such as breastfeeding self-efficacy, body attitude, psychological adjustment, attitude towards pregnancy, intention, confidence and motivation to exclusively breastfeed and importance of exclusive breastfeeding were assessed using a range of psychometrically validated tools. Exclusive breastfeeding behaviour up to six months postpartum was also measured. At 32 weeks gestation a woman's confidence to achieve exclusive breastfeeding was a direct predictor of exclusive breastfeeding duration to six months postpartum. At two months postpartum, psychological adjustment and breastfeeding self-efficacy were predictive of exclusive breastfeeding duration. Finally, at six months postpartum, psychological adjustment, breastfeeding self-efficacy, confidence to maintain and feeling fat were directly predictive of exclusive breastfeeding duration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  psychosocial factors are significantly predictive of exclusive breastfeeding duration. Self-efficacy, psychological adjustment, body image, motivation and confidence are all important psychosocial factors implicated in a woman's ability to maintain exclusive breastfeeding over time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Individualised antenatal breastfeeding education and support may be strengthened by strategies that build a woman's confidence to exclusive breastfeeding. Implementing psychosocial supports and methods providing positive feedback that increase a woman's self-efficacy to exclusively breastfeed to six months are also important two months postpartum.
authors: Deakin University, School of Psychology, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Vic. 3125, Australia. Electronic address: edejager@deakin.edu.au.
authors: Emily
authors: E
authors: de Jager
authors: Deakin University, School of Psychology, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Vic. 3125, Australia. Electronic address: Jaclyn.broadbent@deakin.edu.au.
authors: Jaclyn
authors: J
authors: Broadbent
authors: Deakin University, School of Psychology, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Vic. 3125, Australia. Electronic address: matthew.fuller-tyszkiewicz@deakin.edu.au.
authors: Matthew
authors: M
authors: Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
authors: Deakin University, School of Psychology, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Vic. 3125, Australia. Electronic address: cate.nagle@deakin.edu.au.
authors: Cate
authors: C
authors: Nagle
authors: Deakin University, School of Psychology, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Vic. 3125, Australia. Electronic address: skye.mcphie@deakin.edu.au.
authors: Skye
authors: S
authors: McPhie
authors: Deakin University, School of Psychology, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Vic. 3125, Australia. Electronic address: Helen.skouteris@deakin.edu.au.
authors: Helen
authors: H
authors: Skouteris
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011584:Psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014739:Victoria
keywords: Exclusive breastfeeding; Psychosocial factors; breastfeeding duration