• Erin M McKinley, Linda L Knol, Lori W Turner, Joy J Burnham, Kristine R Graettinger, Maria Hernandez-Reif, and James D Leeper.
• From the School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Louisiana State University (LSU) and the LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, the Departments of Human Nutrition & Hospitality Management, Health Science, Educational Studies in Psychology, Research Methodology, and Counseling, Human Development and Family Studies, and Community Medicine and Population Health, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
• South. Med. J. 2021 Apr 1; 114 (4): 223-230.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate and identify which sociodemographic factors may be associated with breastfeeding intention and breastfeeding self-efficacy among pregnant women.MethodsPregnant women at a medical center in Alabama completed a cross-sectional survey. The Prenatal Rating of Efficacy in Preparation to Breastfeed Scale (PREP to BF) was used to assess prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy. A valid 3-item breastfeeding intention scale and the Fetal Health Locus of Control Scale also were used. Nonparametric tests were used to assess differences in breastfeeding intention, locus of control subscales, and PREP to BF scores by history with breastfeeding, planned mode of delivery, and sociodemographic factors.ResultsThe participants in the final analysis (N = 124) had a mean prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy score of 299.5 (±92.33), with a range of 0 to 390. Significantly lower scores related to intention and PREP to BF were found among Black women (P ≤ 0.05), those with a high school education or less (P ≤ 0.019), single women (P ≤ 0.028), and those who had no breastfeeding experience (P ≤ 0.035).ConclusionsIdentifying pregnant women with low breastfeeding self-efficacy and intention and recognizing the effects of social and cultural influences on breastfeeding are vital. Healthcare providers can engage in meaningful dialog to address ways to increase social support, communication, goal-setting skills, and overcoming mental and emotional barriers.

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