Perception of Not Having Enough Milk and Actual Milk Production of First-Time Breastfeeding Mothers: Is There a Difference?
This study aimed to determine the relationship between perceived insufficient milk supply (PIMS) and actual insufficient milk supply (AIMS) and the relative contributions of physiological and psychosocial variables on both PIMS and AIMS of first-time breastfeeding mothers.



Data were collected among 123 breastfeeding mothers at a Canadian, French-speaking maternal care hospital. Birth events, breastfeeding practices, infant and maternal capacities, and PIMS and AIMS were collected at 48 hours after birth, postnatal weeks 2 and 6.



No significant relationship was found between PIMS and AIMS. Maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy and number of feeds were related to PIMS at week 2, and skin-to-skin contact at birth and number of feeds were related to AIMS as measured by 24-hour milk production at week 2.



Maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy impacts PIMS. Interventions should be directed to increase maternal confidence in breastfeeding, which in turn influences breastfeeding duration.
Nursing Department, University of Quebec in Outaouais , Gatineau, Canada .
Roseline
R
Galipeau
Nursing Department, University of Quebec in Outaouais , Gatineau, Canada .
Louise
L
Dumas
Nursing Department, University of Quebec in Outaouais , Gatineau, Canada .
Mario
M
Lepage
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology*; D002170:Canada; D037001:Directive Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007774:Lactation; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000378:metabolism*; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy
breast milk production; breastfeeding self-efficacy; perceived insufficient milk