Mothers' Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy after a High-Risk or Normal Pregnancy: A Greek Longitudinal Cohort Study

• Published in: European journal of investigation in health, psychology and education psychology and education, 2024-06, Vol.14 (6), p.1803-1820
• Main Authors: Brani, Panagiota, Mrvoljak-Theodoropoulou, Irina, Pechlivani, Fani, Gourounti, Kleanthi, Iliadou, Maria, Palaska, Ermioni, Antsaklis, Panagiotis, Drakakis, Peter, Dagla, Maria
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anxiety; Beliefs; breastfeeding; Breastfeeding & lactation; Cohort analysis; Confidence; Consent; cultural factors; Data collection; Depression (Psychology); educational interventions; efficacy; Emotional Response; Ethics; Females; Hospitals; Infants; Informed Consent; Longitudinal studies; maternal self; maternal self-efficacy; Mothers; Pandemics; Postpartum depression; Postpartum period; Pregnancy; Pregnancy complications; Prenatal Care; Psychological Patterns; psychological support; Questionnaires; Resilience (Psychology); Self Efficacy; socio; socio-cultural factors; Womens health; Young Children
• ISSN: 2254-9625; 2174-8144; 2254-9625
• DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe14060119

the objective of this longitudinal study (from pregnancy to the end of the sixth month postpartum) is to elucidate the association between maternal self-efficacy, defined as a mother's confidence in her ability to breastfeed, and breastfeeding outcomes. This prospective cohort study was conducted among high-risk pregnant women (including those with conditions such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and other pathological medical conditions) and normal-risk pregnant women in Greece. The high-risk group included 164 women, while the normal-risk group comprised 154 women. Data were collected using validated psychometric scales, including the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale, and Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale. Higher maternal self-efficacy was significantly associated with a longer duration and greater exclusivity of breastfeeding. A statistically significant relationship between the type of breastfeeding and the degree of breastfeeding self-efficacy was observed at multiple postpartum milestones: in the first and third 24 h postpartum, and at the end of the sixth week, third month, and sixth month postpartum. The findings underscore the critical role of maternal self-efficacy in breastfeeding success, influenced by individual psychological factors and broader socio-cultural contexts. Strengthening maternal self-efficacy is essential for improving breastfeeding outcomes.