The Effect of Maternal Emotion and Discomfort on Breastfeeding Realization Scores

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) outcomes can vary by concomitant emotions and breastfeeding selfefficacy. Ongoing pain during breastfeeding, concomitant emotions, and breastfeeding self-efficacy scores (BSES) have not been explored in association with EBF at 6 weeks postpartum. Research Aims: To examine the association of ongoing pain with breastfeeding, concomitant emotions and BSES with EBF outcomes at 6 weeks postpartum. Method: A secondary analysis of a randomized pilot trial of a breastfeeding pain self-management (BSM) intervention for 56 mothers (26 BSM, 30 controls). The BSM intervention provided self-management strategies for breastfeeding and breastfeeding pain. Using multiple regression analyses, associated symptoms of depression, anxiety, sleep, well-being pain severity scores, BSES, and group assignment was assessed related to EBF at 6 weeks postpartum. Results: EBF was significantly associated with Group, depression, anxiety, sleep, BSES, and pain severity, (F(6, 49)=5.751, p<0.000, R2=0.413) BSES (p<0.005) and anxiety (p<0.041) were significant variables in the prediction model. A second model which included Group, BSES, pain severity, anxiety, depression, sleep and well-being was significantly associated with EBF (F (7, 49)=4,728, p<0.0004, R2=0.403). BSES again, significantly added to the prediction, p<0.002. Conclusion: Examinations of EBF at 6 weeks should include evaluation of mothers’ ongoing pain and emotional distress, as mothers continue to breastfeeding even at personal cost. Early validation of breastfeeding challenges, ongoing pain, and emotional distress are needed to bolster mothers’ confidence in their breastfeeding skills, thus supporting their EBF goals.