Self-Efficacy and Exclusive Breastfeeding Maintenance in the First Months After Childbirth

Abstract

Objective: to assess breastfeeding self-efficacy and to verify exclusive breastfeeding maintenance in the first months after childbirth. Method: a prospective cohort study with 115 puerperal women attended at a public hospital in Parobé, Rio Grande do Sul. Data were collected from August to December 2018 using a characterization questionnaire and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale. Exclusive breastfeeding maintenance was verified through telephone contact at 30 and 60 days postpartum. Descriptive and proportional analysis was performed. Results: most obtained scores compatible with high self-efficacy (91.3%). The protective factors for exclusive breastfeeding were being 27 years old or less, not having difficulties in breastfeeding in the first 24 hours, and being primigravida. There was no significant relationship between the score and exclusive breastfeeding permanence, although 27% had abandoned it in the 1st month, and 19% in the 2nd month. Conclusions: high scores show that women felt safe and capable of successfully breastfeeding. There is a need for improvement in health care in order to effectively encourage and support in order to obtain better rates of exclusive breastfeeding.