This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Reprints and Permissions Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Rempel, L. A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Rempel, L. A. Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

Factors Influencing the Breastfeeding Decisions of Long-term Breastfeeders

Department of Nursing at Brock University, 500 Glenridge Avenue, St Catharines, ON L2S 3A1,Canada.

Understanding determinants of mothers’ decisions regarding long-term breastfeeding is important for the promotion of breastfeeding for up to 12 months postpartum and beyond. In this longitudinal infant feeding study, the theory of planned behavior was used to explain the intended and actual breastfeeding duration of 80 participants who were breastfeeding 9-monthold infants. Participants perceived less approval for breastfeeding the longer they breastfed. Perceived approval did not explain prenatal intended duration but strongly explained intended duration at 9 months postpartum. The amount of control mothers perceived they had over breastfeeding, however, explained both prenatal and 9-month breastfeeding duration intentions. Reasons for weaning between 9 and 12 months reflected the effects of perceived control but not of perceived approval. These results suggest the need for (1) interventions to increase the social acceptability of long-term breastfeeding and (2) ongoing breastfeeding guidance and support for long-term breastfeeders. J Hum Lact. 20(3):306-318.

Key Words: breastfeeding duration • long-term breastfeeding • social approval • perceived behavioral control • theory of planned behavior • behavioral intentions

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				R. Osbaldiston and L. A. Mingle Characterization of Human Milk Donors J Hum Lact, November 1, 2007; 23(4): 350 - 357. [Abstract] [PDF]

				P. D. Hill, J. C. Aldag, M. Zinaman, and R. T. Chatterton Predictors of Preterm Infant Feeding Methods and Perceived Insufficient Milk Supply at Week 12 Postpartum J Hum Lact, February 1, 2007; 23(1): 32 - 38. [Abstract] [PDF]