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Identifying Predictors of the Reasons Women Give for Choosing to Breastfeed

University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

Anthony Bruce Fallon, BAppSc Hons, PhD

University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia

Desley Hegney, RN, RM, COHN, CNNN, DNE, BA Hons, PhD, FRCNA, FCN NSW

University of Queensland and Blue Care, Brisbane, Australia

Maxine O'Brien, BAppSc Hons

University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

The aims of this article are to outline the reasons Australian women give for initiating breastfeeding, identify unique predictors for these reasons, and use principal components factor analysis to determine factors that influence a woman's decision to breastfeed. Data were collected as part of a large longitudinal study investigating the breastfeeding behaviors and supports of women in Southern Queensland, Australia. The most common reason women (N = 562) gave for deciding to breastfeed was breast milk is better for my baby (95.5%). Reasons related to the mother such as breastfeeding is more convenient (84.3%) were also popular. Four significant components—mother-related reasons, health effects for the infant, moral and family influences, and advice from others—were determined after principal components factor analysis. As well as health benefits for the infant, convenience and other reasons related to the mother appear to be important factors in an Australian woman's decision to breastfeed. J Hum Lact. 23(4):338-344.

Key Words: breastfeeding • Australia • initiation • decision making • infant feeding • human behavior

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Journal of Human Lactation, Vol. 23, No. 4, 338-344 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0890334407307540


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This Article Abstract Resumen Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free 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 Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Brodribb, W. Articles by O'Brien, M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Brodribb, W. Articles by O'Brien, M. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?