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

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.