Breastfeeding self-efficacy, social support, and breastfeeding among Chinese mothers with late preterm infants

Abstract

Background: Incidence of late preterm (LPT) infants has increased and become a worldwide issue. There is well-documented evidence that breast milk confers infant health benefits. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate factors that influence breastfeeding among mothers who have LPT infants. Aim: To examine the relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy, social support, and breastfeeding at one month postpartum among mothers with LPT infants. Method: The descriptive correlation study was conducted with 88 Chinese mothers with LPT infants at one month postpartum visited the well-baby clinic of four tertiary hospitals in Lincang city. Results: At one month postpartum, 48.9% of mothers with LPT infants breastfed exclusively. Breastfeeding among these mothers was a significantly positive relationship with breastfeeding self-efficacy (rpb = .555, p < .01) and social support (rpb = .422, p < .01). Conclusions: and Implementation: These findings can help nurse-midwives be aware of breastfeeding self-efficacy and social support related to exclusive breastfeeding.