Types of Breastfeeding and its Predictors of Mothers in Twenty-four Months after Birth

PURPOSEThis study was done to investigate the types of breastfeeding visits by mothers twenty-four months after birth and to identify the factors that increased breast feeding rates. METHODSThe subjects of this study totaled seven hundred and seventy-four mothers with infants aged 2 years or less who had visited national medical institutions including Sanhujori service facilities, breastfeeding care service facilities, and community health centers. Data was collected from June 22 to July 31, 2009. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi2 test, ANOVA with a post hoc Scheffe test, and multiple logistic regression. RESULTSMajor findings of this study were significant differences of planned length of breastfeeding and breastfeeding self-efficacy in relation to the differing types of breast feeding community visits by mothers. In multivariate logistic regression, baby's age, exclusive breastfeeding at hospital, utilization of breastfeeding care service facility, planned length of breastfeeding, and breastfeeding self-efficacy were independent predictors of the feeding type. CONCLUSIONIn order to increase breastfeeding rates, programs provided by public health care services and medical facilities should start education on breast feeding in the hospital before mothers are discharged and then continue through the use of Sanhujori service facilities and workplace at 3 month and 6 month postpartum.