Breastfeeding Self-efficacy and Factors Associated with Failure in Breastfeeding among Cesarean Mothers: A Case-control Study

Background. Breastfeeding is being advocated by several groups, including the World Health Organization, because of the favorable effects on the mother and her child. The success of breastfeeding has been challenging for postcesarean mothers due to several factors that contribute to breastfeeding failure and low breastfeeding self-efficacy. Studies revealed several factors associated with breastfeeding, and it indicates that breastfeeding cesarean mothers are connected with various aspects independently. This study will fill the knowledge gap by collecting data to identify which of these factors has the greatest impact on breastfeeding failure and mothers’ self-efficacy. Hence, nurses should be equipped with appropriate knowledge and skills to help promote breastfeeding among cesarean mothers.

Objectives. The study aimed to identify the factors associated with breastfeeding failure and measure the breastfeeding self-efficacy of mothers who delivered through cesarean section based on demographic, socioeconomic, healthcare utilization, and child profile. The results were used to develop appropriate instructional materials that will promote breastfeeding among post-cesarean mothers.

Methods. A quantitative-descriptive case-control design was utilized. The study was conducted from October 2023 to January 2024 in two Municipalities of Mountain Province. A systematic random sampling was utilized. The study included 181 post-cesarean mothers who fit the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using frequency, percentage, and logistic regression through odds ratio.

Results. Post Cesarean mothers who are older, multigravida, visits health facilities often, and those who delivered an infant with normal birth weight garnered high breastfeeding self-efficacy while young mothers less than 24 years old, first-time cesarean mothers, working, mothers who attended less than four prenatal check-ups, mothers who delivered an infant less than 2.5 kilograms and more than 3.5 kilograms, and lastly, an infant with four hours and above waking hours at night are associated with low breastfeeding self-efficacy. Cesarean mothers who failed in breastfeeding are young mothers less than 24 years old (p <0.046), working cesarean mothers, and with low breastfeeding self-efficacy (p <0.001). An instructional material was developed as an outcome of the study to help promote breastfeeding among cesarean mothers.

Conclusion. Mothers who are older, more experienced, visit health facilities more often, and whose infant with normal birth weight are more efficacious in providing nutrition to infants until six months, while young, firsttime mothers have low breastfeeding self-efficacy and need assistance in making sure that breastfeeding is performed correctly. Significant factors associated with breastfeeding failure that require attention from healthcare professionals include young mothers less than 24 years old, working cesarean mothers, and mothers with low breastfeeding self-efficacy.