Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy of Early Postpartum Mothers in an Urban Municipality in the Philippines

Abstract

Studies on women have identified breastfeeding confidence as an important variable in influencing breastfeeding outcomes. The mother’s breastfeeding self-efficacy in the early postpartum period was a strong predictor of the duration of breastfeeding. This study aims to assess the breastfeeding self-efficacy of the postpartum mothers in urban barangays of San Jose Occidental Mindoro. The respondents of the study were 200 early postpartum mothers distributed equally chosen from four purposively selected urban barangays. The data collection technique was through a survey interview using 14-item Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF) and a demographic questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that postpartum mothers responded in the study were confident and has self-efficacy in breastfeeding their child as measured through technique and intrapersonal thought in breastfeeding. Moreover, the number of prenatal check up was positively correlated with breastfeeding self-efficacy. The result of the study can be used as a baseline assessment tool in the hospital at delivery to assist in identifying women who are at risk for early weaning.