Recognizing and Treating Delayed or Failed Lactogenesis II

Other Factors That Influence Breastfeeding Success

Consideration of the maternal neurologic, physiologic, and psychologic responses to lactation, collectively known as the mother's internal environment, gives an incomplete picture of the factors influencing lactation and breastfeeding. The external environment of the mother can provide a nurturing, supportive atmosphere or, in contrast, include obstacles that work to counter a successful experience. These external obstacles may result in behaviors and responses in the mother that either require extraordinary effort to overcome or that disrupt the breastfeeding relationship entirely. Positive social support, maternal confidence and attitude,^[19] intent to breastfeed,^[20] and knowledgeable/supportive health care providers^[21] are associated with higher breastfeeding initiation and duration. Considerable evidence shows that older, non-smoking, employed women with more years of education, higher socioeconomic standing, and previous breastfeeding experience tend to initiate and continue breastfeeding for longer durations.^[22] Perceived maternal barriers, such as a father's attitude toward breastfeeding, the quantity of milk produced, and time constraints associated with return to employment all impact the initiation and duration of breastfeeding.^[23]

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2007;52(6):588-594. © 2007  Elsevier Science, Inc.

Cite this: Recognizing and Treating Delayed or Failed Lactogenesis II - Medscape - Nov 01, 2007.