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Strategies needed to address
breast-feeding concerns of new mothers
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Addressing breast-feeding concerns within the first 14 days postpartum could help lower the chances a mother stops breast-feeding, according to recent study findings published in Pediatrics.
Researchers evaluated 532 first-time expecting mothers for breast-feeding support, intentions and concerns. Follow-up interviews were conducted at 0, 3, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days postpartum.
Of 2,946 interviews, there were 4,179 concerns reported. At the 3-day follow-up, 92% of participants reported at least one concern, including difficulty with infant feeding at breast (52%), breast-feeding pain (44%) and milk quantity (40%). During the postpartum follow-up, concerns were significantly associated with increased risk of stopping breast-feeding and formula use.
The main breast-feeding concerns reported were:
- Infant feeding difficulty;
- Milk quantity;
- Uncertainty with own breast-feeding ability;
- Pain while breast-feeding;
- Signs of inadequate intake;
- Mother/infant separation;
- Maternal health/medication;
- Too much milk; and
- Other.
“Our results indicate that to effectively support new mothers in meeting their breast-feeding goals, future efforts should consider strengthening the protective factors that reduce the prevalence of breast-feeding concerns and appropriately responding to any concerns that do arise, in particular how the infant feeds at the breast in the early post discharge period and milk supply concerns lingering into the second week postpartum, as they forewarn of failure to meet breast-feeding goals,” the researchers wrote.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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