Prenatal breastfeeding confidence is not associated with infant feeding method at one month postpartum (LB479)

Background and Objective: Previous studies have observed a positive relationship between breastfeeding confidence and breastfeeding duration. The objective of this study was to describe associations between prenatal confidence and breastfeeding at one month postpartum. Methods: Expectant mothers planning to breastfeed for the first month postpartum were recruited from clinics and physicians’ offices. Maternal breastfeeding confidence was assessed in the third trimester of pregnancy using a 10‐item written survey developed by O’Campo et al. Pattern of infant feeding (fully formula fed or partially/fully breastfed) was determined at one month postpartum by telephone interview. Results: Of the 60 subjects who completed all study requirements, most were White (85%), educated beyond high school (72%) and married (73%). Initially, survey structure and reliability were assessed by exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha. Results indicated a unidimensional solution was optimal with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.839 indicating good internal consistency. The mean confidence score was 4.6 + 0.82. At one month postpartum, 22 mothers (37%) reported formula‐feeding and 38 (63%) reported breastfeeding their infants. There was no significant difference in confidence score between mothers who formula‐fed and those who breastfed their infants. Conclusion: Findings from the current study are not in agreement with previous research on breastfeeding confidence. Differences may be due to the limited time frame and/or small sample size in the current study.