Mothers' satisfaction with their neonates' breastfeeding behaviors

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between breastfeeding competence in neonates and maternal satisfaction with breastfeeding during the early postpartum period. Mothers assessed their neonates' feeding behaviors and checked the satisfaction item on the study instrument at every feeding. Feeding scores and maternal scores were analyzed. The higher the neonate scored (i.e., the more effective the feeding), the more pleased the mother was with the feeding. Neonates of primiparous mothers had lower mean scores than neonates of multiparous mothers, and primiparous mothers were displeased with a higher percentage of feedings compared with the multiparous mothers (p less than .05).