| Abstract |
Introduction
Several studies have been done to investigate the exact reasons why a mother chooses
or not to breastfeed (start and continue) as breastfeeding is particularly important for
the development of the baby, while offering many benefits to the baby, mother and
between their relationship. There are many factors that influence the mother in her
choice of breastfeeding or not.
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the degree of self-efficacy of women in the
third trimester of pregnancy, the first days after childbirth and at the end of labor in
relation to breastfeeding, and the epidemiological indicators associated with it, ie the
onset rate breastfeeding, exclusivity and its continuation at the end of labor (40 days
after delivery).
Methodology
For the purpose of the present study, a quantitative perspective survey was conducted,
using structured questionnaires that were distributed to the women who participated.
The structured distribution of the questionnaires was done in three (3) distinct phases
and specifically:
in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy (by living) with the distribution of the
pregnancy questionnaire which contained questions about socio-demographic
characteristics, the history and lifestyle of the pregnant woman, the course of
the pregnancy, desire to breastfeed etc.,
on the 3rd day, after childbirth and before leaving the maternity hospital (for
life) with the distribution of the 3-day maternity questionnaire, which contained
questions about childbirth, breastfeeding in the first days, the feelings of
pregnant women, etc.,
on 40 days postpartum (by telephone), with the distribution of the 40-day
maternity questionnaire, which contained questions about the course of
childbirth, breastfeeding when women returned home immediately after childbirth and at 40 days after childbirth , the percentage of those who stopped
breastfeeding and the reasons for stopping, etc.
The three questionnaires included Zung's Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), which is a
20-item stress self-report that was answered by all women who participated in the 3
phases of the study. In addition, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficiency Scale (BSES) was
used in the 2nd and 3rd phases of the research. It is worth noting that the first two
questionnaires were distributed to 130 pregnant women, while the 114 women
answered participated in the 3rd phase of the research (response rate 87%).
Results
According to our results, a woman's preparation before giving birth is related to the
self-efficacy of breastfeeding. In particular, painless childbirth courses are associated
with higher self-efficacy at 3 days postpartum (p-value- <0.05), while breastfeeding
courses are associated with self-efficacy at 3 and 40 days (p-value- < 0.05). Regarding
the correlation between the self-efficacy of breastfeeding, its onset and course, it is clear
that there is a correlation between them. In particular, the onset of breastfeeding is
associated with self-efficacy at 3 and 40 days, with those initiating exclusive
breastfeeding on the first day at the maternity hospital having greater self-efficacy at 3
(Mean = 49.31) and 40 days (Mean = 46). , 5) from the rest (p-value <0.05). In addition,
self-efficacy of breastfeeding at 3 and 40 days is associated with continued exclusive
breastfeeding at 3 days postpartum. In particular, those who have a higher mean selfefficacy
of breastfeeding at 3 days continue exclusive breastfeeding at 3 days
postpartum (Mean = 53.85, p-value = 0.02), while those with higher self-efficacy at 40
days continue exclusive breastfeeding in the 40 days after delivery (Mean = 50.7, pvalue
= 0.005), although their effectiveness has been reduced by 3 units. Continuation
of breastfeeding in the first days of returning home is associated with self-efficacy at 3
(Mean = 62, p-value =, 000) and 40 days (Mean = 59.56, p-value =, 000), while
Continuation of breastfeeding at 40 days postpartum is associated with self-efficacy at
both 3 (Mean 59.17, p-value =, 000) and 40 days (Mean = 57, p-value =, 000). In any
case, the self-efficacy of breastfeeding is higher for those who follow exclusive
breastfeeding, compared to those who follow another type of feeding. Regarding the
duration of breastfeeding, it was found that the desired duration of breastfeeding is positively related to self-efficacy at 3 days (r = .492, p-value = 0.000), as well as to selfefficacy
at 40 days (r =. 558, p-value = .000).
Conclusion
According to the results of the present research, it is considered necessary to form a
positive opinion and attitude of the mother regarding breastfeeding and its proper
preparation (lessons, information, advice, solving questions) in order to motivate
breastfeeding. In addition, the support of the woman from her partner and her family
environment is considered a very important factor for the initiation and continuation of
breastfeeding.
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