10.1177/0890334403252472 ARTICLE Cooke et al Breastfeeding Experiences A Description of the Relationship Between Breastfeeding Experiences,

This longitudinal study describes the relationships among breastfeeding experiences, mater-nal 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: ≤ 2 weeks, 0.23;> 2-6 weeks, 0.19;> 6 weeks to 3 months, 0.15). Perceived inadequate milk was a signifi