Breastfeeding experiences of women in the Mitchell Shire of Victoria: duration of breastfeeding and possible connection to breastfeeding education

© 2000 Jacqueline CliffordThere is evidence in the literature to suggest that many women have difficulties with breastfeeding. Studies have shown that specific antenatal education increases the duration of breast feeding. A recent study found that the amount of time allocated to breastfeeding education in Melbourne was insufficient. In this study I examined different aspects of breastfeeding of women who live in the Mitchell Shire, Victoria, including breastfeeding education, breastfeeding problems, and the processes that occurred from the moment of breast feeding difficulty to the cessation of breast feeding. A purposeful sample of 137 was recruited mainly from local Maternal & Child Health Centres, but also from Playgroups within the Mitchell Shire. Data was collected using self-reporting questionnaires. The quantitative data was entered into Microsoft Excel and analysed by computer using the Statistical Program for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Qualitative data was analysed manually. All results, whether supportive or refutive, were reported and discussed. Every effort has been made to ensure anonymity and confidentiality for all participants in the study. Threats to the validity were noted and steps were taken to reduce all risks as much as possible. The findings indicate that receiving breastfeeding education or information is a factor in increasing the duration of breastfeeding. Positive, helpful advice given by certain groups of people in response to difficulties or problems also appears to increase breastfeeding duration