How Motivation Influences Breastfeeding Duration Among Low-Income Women

In-depth interviews were conducted with 44 low-income breastfeeding women to explore the incentives and disincentives to breastfeeding experienced within 6 months postpartum. Using an individual net benefit maximization (INBM) framework based on economic theory, we assessed women's motivations,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of human lactation 2009-05, Vol.25 (2), p.173-181
Main Authors: Racine, Elizabeth F., Frick, Kevin D., Strobino, Donna, Carpenter, Laura M., Milligan, Renee, Pugh, Linda C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Baltimore - epidemiology
Breast Feeding - epidemiology
Breast Feeding - psychology
Decision Making
Female
Health Promotion
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Interviews as Topic
Male
Mothers - education
Mothers - psychology
Motivation
Nursing
Poverty
Time Factors
Young Adult
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Summary:In-depth interviews were conducted with 44 low-income breastfeeding women to explore the incentives and disincentives to breastfeeding experienced within 6 months postpartum. Using an individual net benefit maximization (INBM) framework based on economic theory, we assessed women's motivations, incentives, and disincentives for breastfeeding. Based on the framework and their experience breastfeeding, women fell into 3 groups: intrinsically motivated, extrinsically motivated, and successfully experienced with both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Successfully experienced women were most likely to breastfeed to 6 months. Intrinsically motivated women valued breastfeeding but often required information and instruction to reach breastfeeding goals. Extrinsically motivated women were least likely to continue breastfeeding even with support and instruction. Providers can screen women to determine their experience and motivation then tailor interventions accordingly. Intrinsically motivated women may need support and instruction, extrinsically motivated women may benefit from motivational interviewing, and successfully experienced women may need only minimal breastfeeding counseling. J Hum Lact. 25(2):173-181
ISSN:0890-3344
1552-5732
DOI:10.1177/0890334408328129