A description of the relationship between breastfeeding experiences, breastfeeding satisfaction, and weaning in the first 3 months after birth

Abstract

This longitudinal study describes the relationships among breastfeeding experiences, maternal breastfeeding satisfaction (measured by the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale [MBFES]), and weaning in the first 3 months postpartum. Postal surveys were used to collect data antenatally and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months postpartum from 365 women recruited from 3 public hospitals in Australia. Breastfeeding problems were associated with a reduction in MBFES subscale scores (P < .05) but not with weaning. Infant breastfeeding satisfaction subscale score was negatively associated with perceived inadequate milk supply (P < .05) and positively associated with engorgement (P < .05). Significant predictors of weaning at all points were total MBFES score in the lowest tertile (adjusted odds ratios [ORs]: 2 weeks, 21.9; > 2-6 weeks, 14.6: > 6 weeks to 3 months, 6.4) and leaking milk (adjusted ORs: < or = 2 weeks, 0.23; > 2-6 weeks, 0.19; > 6 weeks to 3 months, 0.15). Perceived inadequate milk was a significantpredictoronly for weaning > 2 to 6 weeks (adjusted OR = 4.2).