Self-efficacy, infant feeding practices, and infant weight gain: An integrative review

Abstract

It has been suggested that self-efficacy specific to parenting or feeding may influence the decisions parents make regarding infant feeding; however, a review of this topic has not been conducted. The purpose of this integrative review is to synthesize the literature regarding the potential role of self-efficacy in infant feeding practices or infant weight gain. A total of 40 articles were used to guide this review, which were classified into three categories examining an association with self-efficacy (1) breastfeeding; (2) infant feeding practices such as parental feeding style and dietary quality; and (3) infant weight gain. Evidence regarding breastfeeding self-efficacy (BFSE) and breastfeeding is extensive; mothers with a higher sense of BFSE more often initiate breastfeeding and breastfeed for longer durations. The evidence regarding self-efficacy and the association with infant feeding practices other than breastfeeding is sparse. However, several studies report that mothers who have a higher sense of self-efficacy are more likely to follow infant feeding practices which align with recommendations. The authors have speculated an association between self-efficacy and infant weight gain; yet, to date, no study has found a significant association. More research is needed on the topic, particularly in diverse populations and with fathers and mothers.

“It gave me so much confidence”: First‐time U.S. mothers' experiences with antenatal milk expression

“…In addition, although 85% of American women state a prenatal intention to exclusively breastfeed at least 3 months (with first-time mothers having higher or equal rates of breastfeeding intention compared with multiparous women [Chertok, Luo, Culp, & Mullett, 2011;Colaizy, Saftlas, & Morriss, 2012]), just 32% meet their prenatal goal (Perrine, Scanlon, Li, Odom, & Grummer-Strawn, 2012). Although women discontinue breastfeeding for a variety of reasons, among the most prevalently cited barriers to breastfeeding maintenance are perception of insufficient milk, impaired breastfeeding self-efficacy, and early, in-hospital formula supplementation (Bahorski et al, 2018;Brownell, Howard, Lawrence, & Dozier, 2012;Chantry, Dewey, Peerson, Wagner, & Nommsen-Rivers, 2014;Odom, Ruowei, Scanlon, Perrine, & Grummer-Strawn, 2013).…”

Exclusive Breastfeeding at 6 Weeks Related to Pain Self-Management, Emotion and Self-Efficacy: A Secondary Analysis of a Pilot Randomized Control Trial

“…Given the addition of wellbeing did not strengthen the prediction of breastfeeding 26 . However, for some women with unresolved emotions may have an enduring and negative impact on the maternal/infant dyad 4,6 .…”

“…3,4 Unresolved pain during breastfeeding may also affect breastfeeding self-efficacy, maternal self-efficacy and bonding which may have an enduring and negative impact on the maternal/infant dyad. [4][5][6] Emotional reactions to pain can suppress or amplify the perception of painful stimuli. In fact, emotion is included in the 1994 definition of pain adopted by the International Association for the Study of Pain.…”

Tecnologia educacional para empoderamento materno na autoeficácia em amamentar

“…However, previous experiences (positive and negative), similar experiences of close individuals (vicarious experiences), social support, and psychological condition (i.e., self-esteem, depression, and anxiety) are contributing factors for self-efficacy. 9 This way, self-efficacy may interfere with health behaviors, given that individuals need to believe that they are able to adhere to healthy behaviors, so that they can make the necessary efforts to achieve them. 10 Therefore, mothers with higher breastfeeding selfefficacy are more likely to breastfeed for longer periods, i.e., increasing maternal confidence may also influence the rates of exclusive breastfeeding.…”