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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Andrea Crivelli-Kovach, PhD, CHES, Department of Medical Science and Community Health, Arcadia University, 450 South Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038, 215-572-4014, kovach@arcadia.edu and Heasook Kim, RN, EdD, IBCLC, Research Institute of Korean Women's Health Education, 137-074, Seoul, South Korea.
Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between breastfeeding information and emotional support received by mothers prenatally and breastfeeding initiation and planned feeding method post discharge from the hospital. Methods: A 36-item questionnaire was distributed during Spring 2000 to mothers who delivered babies at maternity centers in Seoul, South Korea. The questionnaire consisted of five components: sociodemographic information, prenatal breastfeeding information, emotional support regarding the mothers’ infant feeding choice, breastfeeding initiation and supplementation, and hospital breastfeeding practices. Results: Fifty-two breastfeeding mothers were surveyed at the time of hospital discharge. The majority of the mothers were 26 to 35 years of age, college graduates, married, had uncomplicated vaginal or planned cesarean deliveries, and primiparas. Mothers reported that the information, they received during pregnancy, was provided primarily by their mothers or friends and other relatives. The majority of mothers reported that others influenced their infant-feeding decision. Forty mothers reported receiving emotional support for their infant feeding choice during their pregnancy with mothers or mothers-in-law and friends providing the greatest support. Forty-seven mothers breastfed their infants in the hospital and twenty-nine reported their babies received supplemental feedings. Discussion: Research has shown that a woman's infant-feeding decision is affected by the type of information and support mothers receive. Prenatal breastfeeding education can provide essential information for future mothers, families, and community support networks. Further research needs to be done exploring the impact of prenatal and post-discharge support and the hospital environment on breastfeeding initiation and duration rates.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participants in this session will be able to
Keywords: Breast Feeding, International MCH
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.