691
Views
13
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

Influence of mother's perceptions on the choice to breastfeed or bottle‐feed: perceptions and feeding choice

, , , &
Pages 189-198 | Received 16 Oct 2002, Accepted 28 Aug 2003, Published online: 12 May 2010
 

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate what perceptions predicted feeding choice. A questionnaire assessing the degree of agreement with statements about the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding or bottle‐feeding was developed from analysis of qualitative interviews. Two hundred and twenty‐five mothers completed this questionnaire after delivery and indicated the feeding method they chose. Exploratory factorial analyses extracted 10 factors, which were entered in regression analyses predicting the choice of a feeding method. Three factors were significant predictors of the choice of the feeding method : ‘breastfeeding physiological advantages for mothers’, ‘fear of dependency’ and ‘moral reasoning’. The former factor was the only factor that positively predicted breastfeeding, whereas the latter two positively predicted bottle‐feeding. Possible implications to education and prevention are discussed.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.