Factors associated with perceived emotional, instrumental, and informational support for breastfeeding mothers

Abstract

Variables were examined to determine their relationship to perceived emotional, instrumental, and informational support as measured by the Hughes Breastfeeding Support Scale (R. B. Hughes), and experienced by breastfeeding mothers (N=83) within the tri-state area surrounding La Crosse, WI. Univariate analysis found the following results when examining differences: 1) women whose male partner attended a breastfeeding educational program had higher levels of perceived instrumental support and total support than women whose male partner did not attend an educational program, and 2) first-time breastfeeders had lower perceived informational support than women who had breastfed previously. Univariate analysis found the following results when examining relationships: 1) as the number of breastfeeding educational\ programs attended by women increased, perceived informational support increased, and 2) as perceived support from individuals or organizations increased, total perceived support increased. The individuals or organizations with the highest correlations with perceived total support were: 1) the breastfeeding support group, 2) the family practitioner, 3) the midwife, and 4) the father of the baby. The highest correlations for each subscale were the following: 1) instrumental support - breastfeeding support group, 2) emotional support - family practitioner, and 3) informational support - family practitioner.