Filtering by
- All Subjects: Breastfeeding
- Creators: Reifsnider, Elizabeth
In this manuscript, the topic of breastfeeding is explored as it relates to a mother's economic and education level. More specifically, family income, employment status, marital status, and level of education are observed in order to identify any trends or patterns that may influence a mother to prefer breastfeeding over formula feeding. The data presented comes from a research study that utilized three prediction scales which aim to understand a mother's attitude towards infant feeding, self efficacy or confidence, and the chance of discontinuing breastfeeding prematurely. The purpose of this project is to call attention to disparities that may exist from a lack of education and resources for mothers to choose the form of infant feeding that is most beneficial to them.
The health benefits of breastfeeding are well documented and exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months of life is the target of national and global health care organizations. Although initial breastfeeding is on the rise, the percentage of infants still breastfeeding at six months drops significantly. In the population of newly delivered mothers of an obstetric practice, there is no readily accessible breastfeeding support offered following hospital discharge. A review of relevant literature revealed that lack of support is often cited as a key factor in the discontinuation of breastfeeding, whereas the evidence shows that participation in peer support has a positive effect on breastfeeding self-efficacy, which can have a positive effect on breastfeeding duration.
To address this problem, the initiation of a breastfeeding closed social network Facebook group for this practice setting population was developed and implemented to provide readily accessible peer support and have a positive effect on the outcome of breastfeeding self-efficacy. Three months after initiation of the Facebook group, an anonymous voluntary survey was offered to group members, and 25 members participated in the survey. Responses demonstrated that peer support is helpful with breastfeeding confidence and that, following participation in the group, the respondents wanted to continue breastfeeding.