title: Impact of Measuring Milk Production by Test Weighing on Breastfeeding Confidence in Mothers of Term Infants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The duration of exclusive breastfeeding is affected by maternal confidence and perception of milk supply, but objective measurement of milk supply is rarely used. Mothers of preterm infants have found measuring milk supply by in-home test weighing to be helpful to ascertain their infants' breastfeeding intake. This study aimed to determine if this technique affects breastfeeding confidence of mothers of term infants.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants filled in a survey of their breastfeeding confidence and perceptions of breastfeeding behavior prior to and after a 24-hour period of recording the times of feeds, amounts of each breastfeed or bottle feed (expressed breastmilk or formula), and amounts of breastmilk expressed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The breastfeeding confidence of at least 66% of mothers who were initially confident was maintained, and the breastfeeding confidence of at least 11% of mothers who were initially not confident was improved after objective measurement of milk supply and breastfeeding behavior.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Measurement of actual milk supply and breastfeeding behavior provides objective information that can guide clinicians in the management of lactation. It can also help to maintain or improve breastfeeding confidence.
authors.affiliation: 1 School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Western Australia , Crawley, Western Australia, Australia .
authors.forename: Jacqueline C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Kent
authors.affiliation: 1 School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Western Australia , Crawley, Western Australia, Australia .
authors.forename: Anna R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Hepworth
authors.affiliation: 2 Breast Feeding Centre of Western Australia, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women , Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia .
authors.forename: Diana B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Langton
authors.affiliation: 1 School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Western Australia , Crawley, Western Australia, Australia .
authors.forename: Peter E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Hartmann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007774:Lactation; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000378:metabolism*; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D047929:Term Birth; D055815:Young Adult