Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy and the Use of Prescription Medication: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective . To examine the association of self-efficacy, perception of milk production, and lactating women’s use of medication prescribed to increase breast milk in a cohort of 18–40-year-old mothers over six months. Methods . Mothers ( n = 76 ) attending community clinics completed the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale and the Humenick/Hill Lactation Scale, a measure of perceived milk production, three times. Results . Domperidone, a dopamine antagonist, was used by 28% of participants. On average, those using domperidone had lower self-efficacy scores than those not using it ( P < 0.05 ) and were more likely to have used formula (Pearson chi-square test statistic = 6.87 , df = 1 , P < 0.05 ). Breastfeeding self efficacy and perception of milk production were positively correlated. Conclusion . Breastfeeding assessment conducted prior to prescription of galactogogues is recommended for mothers and healthy term babies. Following Baby-Friendly hospital protocols and increasing self-efficacy for lactating women may be most effective in sustaining breastfeeding. Risks and benefits of various galactogogues are discussed.