Potential indicators of insufficient milk supply syndrome

Abstract

Insufficient milk supply syndrome is a complex phenomenon that has not been adequately investigated. Insufficient milk supply (IMS) is a major reason reported by mothers for early termination of breast-feeding in both developed and developing countries. Using the IMS conceptual framework by Hill and Humenick (1989), a survey was conducted to determine which set of predictors distinguished between mothers who reported an inadequate supply of breast milk (n = 100) from those who reported an adequate supply of milk (n = 284) during the first 8 weeks postpartum. Factor analysis suggested that Potential Determinant factors Maternal Confidence, Paternal Support, Maternal Health, Mother-in-Law Disapproval, and Infant Birthweight accounted for 56.7% of the variance while Potential Indicator factors Baby Behavior, Solid Foods, and Formula accounted for 70.4% of the variance. Using discriminant analysis, factors Maternal Confidence, Maternal Health, Mother-in-Law Disapproval, Baby Behavior, Solid Foods, and Formula predicted 78.04% of the cases accurately. The Potential Indicator factors alone predicted 76.58% of the cases accurately. These findings suggest that the IMS model is valid but additional variables may need to be considered.

Western Medicine and Marketing: Construction of an Inadequate Milk Syndrome in Lactating Women

“…The mother may then interpret this as representing insuf cient milk, making her highly likely to resort to formula, with the result that her milk volume actually diminishes. This strong relationship between undermining in uences upon women's con dence in the ef cacy of their lactation and high levels of reporting of insuf cient milk is evidenced by empirical research (Dykes & Williams, 1999;Hill & Aldag, 1991;Hill & Humenick, 1989;Hillervik-Lindquist, 1991, 1992Segura-Millan, Dewey, & Perez-Escamilla, 1994). What becomes clear is that the phenomenon is underpinned by a complex interaction between sociocultural, physiological, and psychological factors that are particularly evident in cultures where there is a strong in uence of Western medicine and heavy marketing of infant formula.…”

Exploring Breast-feeding Self-efficacy

“…Although research to date has not evaluated the effect of infant weight gain on breast-feeding confidence, studies have consistently demonstrated that mothers who suffer from a lack of maternal confidence perceive that they have an insufficient milk supply. [28][29][30][31] This perception has been closely linked to misinterpretation of the breast-feeding process and infant behaviors that results in a mother having persistent self-doubts about her ability to supply the infant's nutritional needs. 32 The importance of infant weight gain to mothers as a meaningful indicator of breast-feeding success supports the need for the provision of clear anticipatory guidance that defines expected infant outcomes.…”

‘As good as chocolate’ and ‘better than ice cream’: how toddler, and older, breastfeeders experience breastfeeding

“…A lack of experience and knowledge of breastfeeding prior to birth has been identified as contributing to breastfeeding difficulties and early weaning (Dykes & Williams, 1999;Hill & Aldag, 1991 can begin in childhood and that children are capable of acquiring valuable information about breastfeeding though observation, discussion and role-play. It can be hypothesised that the embodied knowledge resulting from girls regularly seeing breastfeeding, talking about breastfeeding and playing breastfeeding games may assist them to breastfeed in adulthood.…”