The influence of infant feeding attitudes on breastfeeding duration: evidence from a cohort study in rural Western Australia

Abstract

BackgroundBreast milk is the optimal source of nutrition for infants in the first six months of life. Promoting and protecting breastfeeding is reflected in public health policy across the globe, but breastfeeding rates in both developing and industrialised countries continue to demonstrate that few mothers meet these recommendations. In addition to sociodemographic factors such as age, education and income, modifiable factors such as maternal infant feeding attitudes have been shown to influence breastfeeding duration. The objective of this paper was to describe the influence of infant feeding attitudes on breastfeeding duration in rural Western Australia.MethodsA cohort of 427 women and their infants were recruited from hospitals in rural Western Australia and followed for a period of 12 months. Information about feeding methods was gathered in hospital and at a further seven follow-up contacts. Infant feeding attitude was measured using the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS), and a score of > 65 was considered positive towards breastfeeding.ResultsMothers with an IIFAS score of > 65 were approximately twice as likely to be exclusively breastfeeding at six months, and breastfeeding at any intensity to 12 months. The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding for mothers with an IIFAS score of > 65 was 16 weeks (95 % CI 13.5, 18.5) compared with 5 weeks for those with a score < 65 (95 % CI 3.2, 6.8) (p < 0.0001). The median duration of any breastfeeding to 12 months was more than twice as long for mothers with an IIFAS score > 65 (48 vs. 22 weeks, p < 0.001).ConclusionsWomen in this rural cohort who had a more positive attitude towards breastfeeding had a longer duration of both exclusive breastfeeding to six months and any breastfeeding to 12 months. Further research examining the breastfeeding attitudes of specific subgroups such as men, grandparents and adolescents in rural areas will contribute to the evidence base and help to ensure that breastfeeding is seen as the normal method of infant feeding.

Breastfeeding beyond the big smoke: Who provides support for mothers in rural Western Australia?

“…18 The Rural Infant Feeding Study (RIFS) aimed to determine the factors associated with breastfeeding practices from birth to 12 months of age in regional and rural Western Australia (WA), the results of which have been reported previously. [19][20][21][22] The aim of this paper was to describe the sources of breastfeeding advice and support and the influence of these sources on breastfeeding practice for women in the first 6 months of their infants' lives.…”

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Breastfeeding

“…We also collected maternal and paternal family history of breastfeeding 20 (determined by asking mothers and fathers "Did the woman who raised you breastfeed any children?") and the mother's belief 21 that "breast is best" (assessed by asking "Which of the following do you think is the best way to feed a baby-breastfeeding, a mix of breast milk and formula, only formula, or either breast milk or formula?"). Mothers who indicated breastfeeding was the best feeding method were compared with those who did not.…”

The Translation and Validation of the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale into Turkish

“…[15][16][17] Özellikle olumsuz emzirme tutumuna sahip annelerde formül mama ya da ek besinlere başlama oranının arttığına dikkat çekilmektedir. [18][19][20] Ancak ülkemizde bebeğin beslenmesine ilişkin annenin tutumunu değerlendiren yeterli çalışma olmamasının yanı sıra uygun bir ölçüm aracı da bulunmamaktadır. Bazı ülkelerde yapılan çalışmalarda, Iowa bebek beslenmesi ve tutum ölçeğinin geçerliliği ve güvenirliliği tespit edilmiş kullanımının emzirme tutumunun değerlendirilmesinde etkili olduğu bildirilmiştir.…”