Maternal Breastfeeding Satisfaction: Attendance or Non-Attendance at a Nurse-Led Breastfeeding Support Group
Abstract
The benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants are well documented in the literature. This study compared maternal breastfeeding satisfaction between mothers who attended a nurse-led breastfeeding support group (n=27) and mothers who did not attend the group (n=26). No statistical difference in maternal satisfaction was identified between the groups of mothers. While the sample size was small, qualitative data collection indicated mothers who attended the group may not have had as high of breastfeeding satisfaction scores if the support group was not available for them to attend. Breastfeeding mothers indicated their husband/significant other was their primary source of support (36 surveys or 68%) and lactation nurses (32 surveys or 60%) were their primary source of education. Individualized support based on a mother’s personal circumstances is ideal. More research is needed to identify the best ways to support mothers who are breastfeeding and what is most helpful from their perspective.