Challenges of early motherhood: Breastfeeding difficulties and life satisfaction

Abstract

Many studies have looked at benefits of breastfeeding for the baby and, less frequently, the mother. Though many women find breastfeeding difficult, few studies have looked at the potential costs of breastfeeding for this group. From January 19th 2015 through April 18th 2015, the total of 1,980 Serbian mothers completed an on-line survey consisting of 74 questions which addressed their satisfaction with various areas of life. Mothers were divided into four groups depending on their breastfeeding experience: those who enjoy breastfeeding (Group 1), those who breastfeed despite finding it difficult (Group 2), those who do not breastfeed because they find it difficult, but otherwise would (Group 3) and those who do not breastfeed because ?it is their choice? (Group 4). There were 1,238 women (53.2%) in Group, 1, 546 (23.4%) in Group 2, 147 (6.3%) in Group 3 and 49 (2.1%) in Group 4. Group 2 scored lower than Group 1 on 25 out of 26 indicators of satisfaction. When these 26 indicators were averaged, there was a significant difference in the average scores between Group 1 (M = 6.87, SD = 1.10) and Group 2 (M = 6.33, SD = 1.20). Group 3 scored higher than Group 2 on 19 out of 26 indicators. There is a remarkably consistent difference in satisfaction across many areas of life between women who breastfeed joyfully and those who do it out of a sense of duty. As public pressure on women to breastfeed mounts, distinction between these two kinds of breastfeeding experiences should be kept in mind. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 47010: Social transformations and the EU accession process: a multidisciplinary approach i br. III 47006: Researching Demographic Phenomena for the Purpose of Public Policies in Serbia]

Attitudes toward Breastfeeding and Breastfeeding Practice: Lack of Support for Breastfeeding in Public as a Factor in Low Breastfeeding Rates

“…4,5 The most recent WHO position paper stating that promotion of breastmilk substitutes and complementary foods undermines breastfeeding (including "growing-up milks" advertised for older children) is likewise consistent with the view that breastfeeding attitudes play a significant role in the decision to breastfeed and the duration of breastfeeding. 6 In line with this, attitudes toward breastfeeding in public have been given an increased importance as a research subject.…”

“…While welfare/family policies and public health initiatives remain an important consideration in breastfeeding success 1 , recent studies have also shown a link between breastfeeding attitudes and infant feeding choices 2 , perceived breastfeeding efficacy 3 and duration of breastfeeding 4 , thus shifting the focus from socio-demographic, institutional and biomedical factors to psychological and psychosocial factors and attitudes. 4,5 The most recent WHO position paper stating that promotion of breastmilk substitutes and complementary foods undermines breastfeeding (including "growing-up milks" advertised for older children) is likewise consistent with the view that breastfeeding attitudes play a significant role in the decision to breastfeed and the duration of breastfeeding.…”

“…6 In line with this, attitudes toward breastfeeding in public have been given an increased importance as a research subject. 4,7,8 Experiencing discomfort can be one of the reasons for avoiding breastfeeding in public, especially when adequate facilities are not available, ultimately leading to breastfeeding cessation. Difficulties related to breastfeeding in public affect all women, regardless of socio-economic and class aspects.…”