Determinants of exclusive direct breastfeeding using constructs from the breastfeeding relationship scale

ObjectivesThis study examined the relationship among constructs of the Breastfeeding Relationship Scale and exclusive direct breastfeeding (EDBF) while controlling for covariates in US breastfeeding dyads in the first 3 months.BackgroundThe Breastfeeding Relationship Scale was developed to measure mother-infant mutual responsiveness during breastfeeding in response to perceived insufficient milk, but there is no clear understanding about the relationships between the Breastfeeding Relationship Scale's constructs and EDBF.MethodsA cross-sectional design was used. The convenience sample of 589 directly breastfeeding mothers in the US whose infants were between 1 and 12 weeks of age were included for analysis using a structural equation model. Covariates for EDBF included mother's age, education, marital status, parity, prior breastfeeding experience, infant's age, weight, and sex.ResultsMother-Infant Breastfeeding Interaction and Breastfeeding Synchronicity were related (beta = 0.33, p < .001), as were Breastfeeding Synchronicity and Perceived Adequate Milk Supply (beta = 0.35, p < .001) and Mother-Infant Breastfeeding Interaction and Perceived Adequate Milk Supply (beta = 0.08, p = .05). The relationship between Mother-Infant Breastfeeding Interaction and Breastfeeding Synchronicity with EDBF was fully mediated by Perceived Adequate Milk Supply, where the odds of EDBF was higher for mothers with higher scores on Perceived Adequate Milk Supply (OR = 1.61, p < .001) and prior breastfeeding experience (OR = 2.31, p = .006).ConclusionsPerceived Adequate Milk Supply and prior breastfeeding experience are major determinants of EDBF in the first 3 months. Breastfeeding Synchronicity can bolster Mother-Infant Breastfeeding Interaction and promote Perceived Adequate Milk. More attention should be paid to breastfeeding relationship to be the result of EDBF.

Automated summary

This study aimed to examine the relationship between constructs of the Breastfeeding Relationship Scale and exclusive direct breastfeeding (EDBF) in US breastfeeding dyads in the first 3 months. The results showed that Mother-Infant Breastfeeding Interaction and Breastfeeding Synchronicity were related, and this relationship was mediated by Perceived Adequate Milk Supply. Perceived Adequate Milk Supply and prior breastfeeding experience were found to be major determinants of EDBF.