A Study on the Relationship between Breastfeeding Empowerment and Self-confidence in the Maternal Role of Breastfeeding Mothers

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between breastfeeding empowerment and self-confidence in the maternal role of breastfeeding mothers. Method: Breastfeeding empowerment was measured on a scale of 5 developed by Kim & Park(2004), while self-confidence was measured on a scale of 4 by Lederman et al.(1981). Data was collected during a Breastfeeding Infant Contest held in September 2006 and 2007 in Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do. The subjects were 278 breastfeeding mothers. The collected data was processed with the SPSS win 12.0 version. Result: Breastfeeding empowerment scored 4.21 on average (5.0 full score). The score showed a statistical difference only in breast milk quantity and breastfeeding knowledge. On the otherhand self- confidence in the maternal role showed a statistical difference only in breastfeeding frequency and knowledge. Self-confidence in the maternal role showed a statistically significant relationship with breastfeeding skill(ϒ=0.50), with breastfeeding will(ϒ=0.45), with adherence to exclusive breastfeeding(ϒ=0.35) and with group empowerment(ϒ=0.39). Conclusion: The positive relationship between breastfeeding empowerment and self-confidence in the maternal role implies that breastfeeding empowerment may be utilized to promote self-confidence in the mother's role.