| Learning Objective #1: Describe the eight variables most predictive of breastfeeding cessation | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Describe the nursing implications of such a screening tool to support breastfeeding among patients |
Objective
The study objectives were to: 1) Evaluate the risk of breastfeeding cessation using a maternal survey of both past and present breastfeeding experiences, hospital delivery data, and follow-up phone calls 7-10 days post delivery. 2) Create a breastfeeding cessation assessment tool to provide proper support for lactating mothers.
Design
This exploratory study used retrospective clinical data from mother/newborn medical records and data collected: A) while the mother hospitalized and B) through telephone interviews 7-10 days post delivery.
Population, Sample, Setting
A voluntary sample of 1075 healthy, breastfeeding mother/newborn couplets from nine institutions in the Midwest participated, yielding 80% power.
Concept or Variables Studied Together
Over 300 initial variables ranging from gravida, para, gestational age and type of delivery to number of bottles given while hospitalized were obtained using the three data collection tools. These were linked to the primary outcome variable of actual breastfeeding cessation when respondents answered the question, “Are you still breastfeeding your baby?”, during the follow-up phone call.
Methods
Multiple logistic regression and odds ratios were employed to determine the most significant variables that together were most predictive of actual breastfeeding cessation.
Findings
1) Risk of breastfeeding cessation was encountered 10.6% (114 couplets). 2) Eight variables significantly predicted breastfeeding cessation (p< 0.05). They were: 1) maternal age, 2) breastfeeding experience, 3) frequency of latching difficulty during hospital stay, 4) breastfeeding frequency during hospital stay, 5) number of formula bottles given during hospital stay, 6) previous breast surgery, 7) hypertension during pregnancy and, 8) use of vacuum extraction during delivery.
Conclusions
Efficacy of the scale with a prospective sample of couplets is needed. If found efficacious it holds promise to screen for mothers at risk for breastfeeding cessation and the opportunity to offer supplemental support.
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