Analysis of breastfeeding behavior of postpartum women and risk factors for breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has long been recognized as the optimal form of nutrition for infants. Breastfeeding goals for the United States are well defined; however, breastfeeding rates continue to fall'short of the recommendations set forthbby the American Academy of Pediatrics and the United States Department of Health & Human Services. Nurse educators must understand the role and the challenges of identifying behavior of breastfeeding women and the risk factors to successful breastfeeding. Identifying these factors and behaviors will enable nurses to establish nursing practice to support breastfeeding initiation and duration. This study will identify factors related to breastfeeding duration and the factors or barriers related to positive breastfeeding behavior. This study is a replication of a previous study done by Sheehan, Krueger, Watt, et al (2001). A self efficacy theory derived by C. Dennis from Bandura's Social Learning Theory is the framework for this study. The questionnaire will consist of demographic information and questions regarding women's perception of specific identifiers at different intervals postpartum. This study will be conducted by structured interview prior to discharge and by telephone at 4 weeks postpartum. A random sample of 100 postpartum women from two local hospitals will be selected. A letter of consent will be signed by each of the women prior to the interview at discharge. Participation is voluntary. All data will be anonymous and analyzed through bivariate analysis and logistic regression to reveal variables that are statistically significant for breastfeeding discontinuation. Permission will be obtained from the Institutional Review Boards of Ball State University and the participating agencies. Findings will provide information that may have implications on nursing practice and interventions that may change the overall breastfeeding behavior and breastfeeding duration of postpartum women and infants.School of NursingThesis (M.S.