Skip to main content
Download PDF

Breastfeeding in primiparous women – expectations and reality: a prospective questionnaire survey

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth volume 23, Article number: 654 (2023) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Breastfeeding provides the optimal nutrition for infants and offers numerous benefits for both mother and child. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life and the introduction of complementary feeding between the fifth and seventh months of life. There is a discrepancy between breastfeeding recommendations and the actual duration of breastfeeding. The aim of this study was to analyse breastfeeding behaviour in primiparous women in order to be able to provide support for mothers.

Methods

In this prospective, questionnaire-based study conducted between 2020 and 2022, primiparous women were asked to complete three questionnaires at three defined survey time points (routine prepartum presentation, postpartum hospitalization, completed sixth month of life).

Results

A total of 140 women were included and returned all three questionnaires. Fifty-eight percent performed breastfeeding exclusively at least until their baby had reached the age of 6 months, whereas 20% already stopped within the first 6 months. The main reasons given for early cessation were insufficient milk supply and inadequate infant weight gain. A comprehensive level of prepartum knowledge had a significant positive effect on participants’ sense of confidence with breastfeeding. Sociodemographic factors such as age and educational level were also associated with breastfeeding behaviour, but significant corresponding differences in the duration of breastfeeding were not observed. Women with postpartum midwifery care breastfed significantly longer (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Breastfeeding behaviour and duration are influenced by multiple factors. Although certain sociodemographic factors are unalterable, comprehensive prepartum knowledge transfer and postpartum midwifery care have a positive impact on breastfeeding behaviour.

Trial registration

The study was retrospectively registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS) on 6 December 2022 (DRKS00030763).

Peer Review reports

Background

Breast milk is considered the gold standard for infant nutrition. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life. After the introduction of complementary feeding, additional breastfeeding should be provided at least until the child reaches 2 years of age [1]. With sufficient milk production and satisfactory breastfeeding technique, most infants’ energy and nutrient needs can be easily met during the first 6 months of life [2]. From 6 months to 1 year of age, breast milk provides 50% of energy and nutrient needs, and about one-third in the second year of life. As the nutrients in breast milk are much more valuable than those in complementary foods, additional breastfeeding should be continued after the introduction of complementary feeding [1].

These recommendations are based on the results of studies showing that exclusive breastfeeding significantly reduces child morbidity and mortality in comparison with partial breastfeeding or non-breastfeeding [3]. Long-term effects of breastfeeding include a reduction in the risk of becoming overweight or developing type 2 diabetes mellitus [4, 5].

The positive effects of breastfeeding on the mother can already be observed immediately postpartum. Breastfeeding promotes the oxytocin-induced uterine contraction that reduces postpartum blood loss [6]. Moreover, oxytocin enhances the development of a healthy mother–infant bond and protects against postpartum depression [7]. Breastfeeding also protects mothers from developing arterial hypertension, metabolic syndrome and myocardial infarction [8].

To allow appropriate implementation of the breastfeeding recommendations, a knowledge of the positive effects on mother and child alone is not enough. The international Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, founded in 1991 by WHO and UNICEF, is working continuously to improve conditions to achieve higher breastfeeding rates and longer breastfeeding duration [9].

UNICEF data released in 2021 show that worldwide, only 44% of newborns are exclusively breastfed for the first 5 months of life. The highest prevalence is reported in South Asia, with a 57% rate of exclusive breastfeeding, in comparison with only 26% in North America [10]. According to SUKIE 2021, a study on breastfeeding behaviour and child nutrition in Austria, 97.5% of mothers stated that they had breastfed their child at some time. The breastfeeding prevalence at 6 months of age was 64.1% [11].

A prenatally established intention to breastfeed, as well as previous experience, has been shown to have a significant influence on the duration of breastfeeding. Attaching a high value to the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding is associated with a significantly longer duration. Nevertheless, only a few mothers achieve their intended goal for breastfeeding duration [12, 13]. Studies report different reasons for early cessation, such as cracked nipples, pain, or an insufficient amount of milk [14]. There is a high level of social and educational awareness of the proven benefits of breastfeeding. This might lead to intense social pressure on women and can result in feelings of guilt and inadequacy if the practice of breastfeeding does not meet expectations [15]. Only little research has been carried out on maternal satisfaction with breastfeeding, and this might also play a role [16].

The aim of this study was to analyse breastfeeding behaviour in primiparous women relative to their expectations and individual concerns. In addition, it examined the influence of social environment, prepartum knowledge and information, sociodemographic factors and pregnancy-related and birth-related factors. This information is to be used to develop measures to help women to meet the breastfeeding recommendations.

Methods

A prospective questionnaire-based study was conducted, comprising three questionnaires at three defined survey time points. Inclusion of patients in the study and the first written interview took place during routine antepartum presentations at Kepler University Hospital – at the earliest in gestational week 34 + 0. The second questionnaire was completed during the patients’ postpartum hospitalization. The third written survey was conducted after the newborn had reached 6 months of age. The study period was set from June 2020 to April 2022. All primiparous women who delivered infants at Kepler University Hospital between 38 and 42 weeks of gestation were eligible for the final analyses. All three questionnaires had to have been completed for inclusion in the study.

Basic requirements for participation were a signed consent form and a good knowledge of German or English in order to answer the questionnaires in a meaningful way. Mothers with preterm deliveries and women with multiple pregnancies were excluded. Further exclusion criteria were prenatal fetal diagnoses or postpartum diagnoses that did not allow exclusive breastfeeding without restrictions. Women with chronic illnesses, long-term medication, or prior breast surgery limiting unrestricted breastfeeding were also excluded.

The questionnaires contained between 10 and 23 questions, most of them being single-choice or multiple-choice, about the patients’ intention to practice breastfeeding and the personal importance they attached to it, the knowledge and information they had gathered, fears, delivery mode, reasons for stopping breastfeeding, and a few open questions on sociodemographic data. Exclusive breastfeeding was defined as breastfeeding without additional supply of infant formula, except during the first few days after delivery until full lactogenesis, if necessary. The term ‘partial breastfeeding’ included supplemental feeding with infant formula and later the addition of baby food alongside breastfeeding. The English version of all three questionnaires can be found in the Additional file 1.

Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS, version 14.0. The chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test (for fourfold contingency tables) was used for hypothesis testing, and the McNemar test was used for connected samples. The significance level was set at 5%. In some cases, dichotomizations were performed if the test criteria were not met due to the number of cases being too low.

Results

A total of 180 primiparous women who delivered between 38 and 42 weeks of gestation at Kepler University Hospital received all three questionnaires, and the response rate was 78%. The final analyses included 140 primiparous women.

Sociodemographic characteristics

The mean age of the participants was 30 (± 5), the youngest mother being 18 and the oldest 42 years old. Ninety per cent of the women were born in Austria; 17.9% of the respondents had a migration background (i.e., they themselves or at least one of their parents were not born in Austria). 45.7% were married and 54.3% were in a steady relationship, so no participant was a single mother. The highest completed educational qualification was at least a high-school diploma for 70.7% of the study participants, and 49.3% were university graduates. Among the respondents, 16.4% had had one or more previous pregnancies, which had ended in early abortion, late abortion, or interrupted pregnancy. Conception occurred naturally in 90.7%, and assisted reproductive techniques were used in 9.3%. Vaginal deliveries without complications occurred in 60.7% of the infants, and 17.9% of the births required a vacuum extraction. The Caesarean section rate was 21.4%.

Duration of breastfeeding

All of the participants (n = 140) stated that they had breastfed the child at some time. Fifty-eight per cent carried out breastfeeding exclusively at least until their baby had reached the age of 6 months, while 20% said they had already stopped breastfeeding at that point (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1
figure 1

Breastfeeding prevalence. The orange line indicates the percentages (y-axis) of women who were breastfeeding exclusively, while the blue line represents the percentages of women performing any kind of breastfeeding (x-axis). It should be noted that the percentage of mothers who were breastfeeding exclusively decreased to 21% after 6 months

Full size image

The breastfeeding behaviour differed significantly from the participants’ prepartum intentions, as 91.9% of the women had intended to breastfeed exclusively until the baby was 6 months of age. 63% of the women in this study reached their individual goal for the duration of breastfeeding. Women who planned exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months were significantly more likely to breastfeed exclusively only for the first 2 months (p = 0.048) and initiated infant formula use significantly more often (p = 0.012). Women who intended to breastfeed exclusively for up to 6 months were significantly more likely to cease breastfeeding within the first 6 months (p = 0.039) (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2
figure 2

Expectations and reality. The orange bars indicate the percentages (x-axis) of women who actually breastfed exclusively for a specific time period (y-axis), while the blue bars represent their original expectations. The chart refers to an exact time period (e.g., 3–4 months) rather than the minimum breastfeeding duration and is therefore not comparable with Fig. 1. It should be noted that the breastfeeding behaviour differed significantly from the participants’ prepartum intentions

Full size image

The duration of breastfeeding was influenced by the women’s prepartum attitudes. Those who stated that they wanted to breastfeed at all costs, even though problems might occur or they might need to add infant formula, breastfed exclusively for a significantly longer period than those who stated that they wanted to at least try breastfeeding (p < 0.01). These two groups also differed significantly with regard to the duration of partial breastfeeding (p = 0.025).

The main reasons for early cessation were reported to be an insufficient quantity of milk (76.1%) and insufficient weight gain by the child (41.9%). All women who reported inadequate weight gain also reported feeling that they had an insufficient quantity of milk. Puerperal mastitis, wounded nipples, and constant pain during breastfeeding were problems in 40.4%. In 39.5% of cases, the mothers noted that the child had lost interest in the breast and had thus weaned itself. The need to abstain from alcohol and cigarettes, concerns that breastfeeding might make the breasts saggy, or the baby’s teething were not reasons for stopping breastfeeding (Table 1).

Table 1 Reasons for early cessation
Full size table

Women who worried prepartum that the breastfed baby might not sleep through the night were significantly more likely to cease breastfeeding within the first 6 months (p < 0.01). The same applied to those who were concerned about not producing enough milk (p = 0.033). Mothers who expressed concern that there were no opportunities to breastfeed in public were significantly more likely to cease breastfeeding between 3 and 6 months (p < 0.01).

The reasons for early cessation did not always correlate with the participants’ expectations. Women who were initially worried about failing at breastfeeding ceased significantly more often due to limited sexual desire (p = 0.047). Women who were concerned about being solely responsible for feeding the baby stopped breastfeeding significantly more often in order to be able to sleep through the night again (p = 0.049).

Womens’ attitude to breastfeeding

Throughout all of the survey time points, the patients regarded the importance of breastfeeding for mother and child as being very important or important. The greatest benefits of breastfeeding were perceived to be the prevention of infections (94.3%) and allergies (92.9%) in the child, as well as faster involution of the uterus (80.6%) and postpartum weight loss (86.4%) (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3
figure 3

Expected benefits of breastfeeding. The women were asked to what extent (very, quite, not so much, not at all) they believed that the aspects mentioned were positively influenced by breastfeeding. The blue bars indicate in percentages (x-axis) how often the answers ‘very’ or ‘quite’ were given to each statement prepartum and the orange bars indicate the postpartum believes

Full size image

The main reasons given for breastfeeding were that breast milk is the ‘best form of nutrition’ (93.5%), the ‘most natural thing in the world’ (84.3%), and promoting mother–infant bonding (76.5%). Women who believed that breastfeeding could be done anytime and anywhere breastfed significantly longer than those who disagreed with this (p < 0.01). Women who believed that neither preparation nor aids were necessary for breastfeeding also had a significantly longer duration of breastfeeding (p = 0.012).

Factors influencing breastfeeding

Among the study participants, 80.7% stated that they themselves had been breastfed. The friends and family members of 94.2% of them also breastfed their newborns. The women’s partners were largely in favour of breastfeeding, 15.2% of the men did not have an opinion on the subject, nor had they discussed the topic. A significant correlation between these factors and the duration of breastfeeding was not demonstrated.

Women under 30 years of age were significantly more likely to worry about being unable to breastfeed (p = 0.013) and not getting enough sleep (p = 0.040). Women over 30 were significantly more likely not to worry that the breastfed baby would not be able to sleep through the night (p < 0.01). The older the woman, the lower the fear of not producing enough milk (p < 0.01) or of the baby having too little weight gain (p < 0.01). The age of the study participants did not have any impact on the duration of breastfeeding.

The women’s national origin did not have any influence on the reasons they gave for breastfeeding, nor on their fears or worries. No significant differences were found with regard to the duration of breastfeeding.

Women with a higher educational level were significantly more likely to be concerned about possible breast diseases (p = 0.038). Women with a high-school diploma ceased breastfeeding significantly more often after more than 6 months (p < 0.01). Women without university entrance qualifications were significantly more likely to report that lower costs had had a positive influence on their decision to breastfeed (p = 0.041).

The women’s pregnancy histories and delivery-related aspects did not have any influence on the duration of breastfeeding.

Information was obtained by 74.8% of the study participants by talking to friends and family; 64.7% received appropriate advice from their midwife and 51.1% obtained additional information from the Internet. The majority of the women (54.7%) obtained the information after gestational week 22; 25.2% obtained information earlier, before gestational week 22. Information had already been obtained by 20.1% of the respondents before they became pregnant. A detailed level of knowledge before giving birth had a significant positive effect on the participants’ sense of confidence with breastfeeding (p = 0.028). No significant correlation was demonstrated in relation to the duration of breastfeeding. In the initial days after delivery, 87.2% of the women felt very well informed or well informed about breastfeeding; 12.1% reported a need for further information and 0.07% have not received any information at all.

The majority of the study participants, 92.1%, took advantage of postpartum midwifery care, with a positive effect on the duration of breastfeeding. They ceased breastfeeding significantly more often after more than 6 months (p = 0.044).

Discussion

All participants in the study stated that they wanted to breastfeed their child, and at the time of discharge from hospital all of the children were at least being partially breastfed. Consistently with literature reports that only few women breastfeed as long as prenatally planned, 63% of the women in this study reached their goal for the duration of breastfeeding [12, 17]. Those who had strong prenatal intentions to do so breastfed significantly longer than those who reported that they at least wanted to try, but planned to stop if problems arose. Nevertheless, women who planned exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months were significantly more likely to breastfeed exclusively for only the first 2 months. Similar results have been reported in the literature; Santacruz-Salas et al. observed a five times higher odds ratio in women who intended to breastfeed exclusively for ‘as long as they could’ in comparison those who wanted to maintain it for 1, 3, or 3–6 months [13]. This might be explained by psychological discomfort, stress and fear of failure. Many women feel solely responsible for the healthy nutrition and development of the child. Due to their awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding, they may place themselves under extreme pressure and have more difficulty in coping with problems that arise [15].

The main reason for early cessation of breastfeeding in this study was reported to be an insufficient milk supply, in 75.3% of cases. However, studies have shown that in fact less than five per cent of women are biologically incapable of producing a sufficient quantity of milk [17]. The reasons for insufficient milk production are usually found to lie in poor breastfeeding techniques. The SUKIE study also reported early cessation due to insufficient milk supply in 76.1% of cases, with the difference that only primiparous women were included in the present study, whereas the proportion of primiparas in SUKIE was 52.0% [11]. Puerperal mastitis, nipple cracks, and constant pain during breastfeeding were problems in 40.4% of cases in the present study, in comparison with 32.0% of the SUKIE participants [11].

Treatment and prophylaxis is not solely the responsibility of the attending gynecologist. In addition to analgesia, anti-inflammatory therapy and antibiotic treatment if necessary, supportive measures such as frequent breastfeeding, pumping, correct positioning, breast massage and application of hot or cold compresses should be performed [18]. These measures can be communicated to the patient and checked by the midwife. Most difficulties with breastfeeding occur within the first month after delivery [14]. In Austria, health insurance covers a daily home visit by the attending midwife in the first 5 days postpartum. Moreover, an additional seven home visits or consultations can be claimed within the first 8 weeks after delivery. This service was appreciated by 92.1% of the respondents and significantly influenced the duration of breastfeeding.

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative requires that all pregnant women should be informed about the benefits and practice of breastfeeding. Kepler University Hospital is no certified Baby-Friendly Hospital, but was awarded the ‘periZert’, which certifies the highest quality of care and expertise in perinatal medical care for mother and child. The WHO’s ten steps to successful breastfeeding are implemented and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants try to best support the mothers. This includes uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact after giving birth and the initiation of breastfeeding as soon as possible. Rooming-in 24 h a day is practiced and mothers are made aware of their infants’ signals for feeding and learn how to respond. Trained staff advise the mothers on the use of breast pumps and the risks of bottle-feeding or pacifiers. If the women are hospitalized during pregnancy, information on the benefits and management of breastfeeding is provided. The importance of these aspects may be underlined by the results of this study, as a detailed level of prepartum knowledge was found to have a significant impact on breastfeeding confidence. Among the study participants, 74.8% received advice from their families. Although a considerable amount of information can be passed on in this way, it is based on individual experiences that may contain negative aspects and convey uncertainty and fear. It is therefore important for patients to receive information from professionals as well. In Austria, pregnancy care includes a midwife consultation between gestational weeks 18 and 22. Among other things, the purpose of this discussion is to provide expectant mothers with basic knowledge about breastfeeding and address their fears and concerns. In the present study, 12.1% of the respondents reported needing more information in the early postpartum period. Individual counselling and support can be provided by the hospital staff during the initial days of postpartum care in hospital.

Younger women in particular benefit from detailed counselling and positive feedback. Women under 30 years of age were significantly more likely to worry about failing in breastfeeding by not providing enough milk, leading to insufficient weight gain by the baby. No effect of maternal age on the duration of breastfeeding was observed in the present study. The literature data on the topic are inconsistent. In a prospective observational study, Colombo et al. concluded that older women breastfeed less frequently, and the same finding was also reported by Kitano et al. [19, 20]. In other studies, young maternal age was associated with a shorter duration of breastfeeding [21, 22].

In the present study, the women’s national origins had no effect on the reasons given for breastfeeding, nor on their fears and worries. Nor were any significant differences observed in relation to the duration of breastfeeding. At this point, however, it should be mentioned that the composition of the study sample does not correspond to the actual population distribution in Austria, and this aspect can therefore only be assessed to a limited extent [23]. Study participants needed a good knowledge of German or English to answer the questionnaires in a meaningful way. Therefore, many women with migration background who delivered between 2020 and 2022 but did not meet these criteria could not be included in the study.

Due to the lack of a control group of single mothers, no conclusions can be drawn about the influence of partnership status on breastfeeding behaviour and duration. It has been reported in the literature that partners’ attitudes and support positively influence the initiation of breastfeeding and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding [24, 25]. Living with a partner also is associated with higher levels of maternal satisfaction with breastfeeding [16]. In this study, 15.2% of the men did not have an opinion on the subject of breastfeeding, nor had they discussed the topic with their partners. To improve breastfeeding prevalence, men should specifically be involved in the breastfeeding process and in prepartum discussions about possible difficulties to be expected and how to deal with them.

High prevalence and long duration of breastfeeding are associated with a high educational level. This has already been demonstrated in multiple studies and applies to low-income, middle-income and high-income countries [19, 26, 27]. The present study also found that women with university entrance qualifications or higher educational status were significantly more likely to cease breastfeeding only after more than 6 months. It should be noted that the study population differs from the general maternal population in Austria, in which only 42.4% successfully graduate from high school, in comparison with a university entrance qualification rate of 70.7% in the study population [28].

In contrast to the findings of other studies, the mode of birth was not found to have any influence on breastfeeding behaviour and duration. The small sample size of 140 women is a limiting factor. The main reason for less initiation of breastfeeding and continuation after Caesarean section has been cited in various studies as a disruption of the infant–mother bond [29, 30]. At Kepler University Hospital, Caesarean sections are usually performed with spinal anaesthesia so that skin-to-skin contact can be provided as early as possible. Skin-to-skin contact has been shown to promote oxytocin release, which positively affects milk production and reduces stress [31]. Initial attempts at breastfeeding can sometimes already be made in the operating room. During the first few days after delivery, women are supervised by trained lactation nurses and midwives as needed, to help them find comfortable breastfeeding positions after surgery and to resolve breastfeeding difficulties before discharge from the hospital.

Interestingly, this study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants’ infection status was not evaluated, although it could of course also have been an influencing factor. During the same period, multiple research projects on the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy and outcome were conducted at Kepler University Hospital [32]. Among SARS-CoV-2–positive women, breastfeeding rates of 100% were still observed. Measures such as rooming-in or breastfeeding counselling were given a high priority even among infected women, so that they were supported in meeting their breastfeeding goals.

Conclusions

There is a widespread desire among pregnant women to breastfeed and comply with WHO recommendations, and women are aware of the benefits of breastfeeding. A detailed level of prepartum knowledge, a high educational level and postpartum midwifery care have a positive effect on the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding. To improve breastfeeding behaviour, an additional midwifery consultation during pregnancy with a focus on breastfeeding, in the presence of the expectant father, could be considered. Low-threshold access to information and the communication of clear, easy-to-understand and consistent messages are needed. There should be a greater focus on breastfeeding follow-up, and practical structures for long-term support should be created. In addition, the social acceptance of breastfeeding should be improved. This could eliminate some of the fears, problems and concerns that women expressed, resulting in a longer duration of breastfeeding.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets used and/or analysed during the present study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Abbreviations

COVID-19:

Coronavirus disease 2019

SIDS:

Sudden infant death syndrome

SPSS:

Statistical Package for the Social Sciences

SUKIE:

Säuglings- und Kinderernährung (Study on Breastfeeding Behaviour and Child Nutrition in Austria)

UNICEF:

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund

WHO:

World Health Organisation

References

  1. PAHO/WHO. Guiding principles for complementary feeding of the breastfed child. Washington DC: Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization; 2002.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Butte N, Lopez-Alarcon MG, Garza C. Nutrient adequacy of exclusive breastfeeding for the term infant during the first six months of life. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2002.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Victora CG, Bahl R, Barros AJD, Franca GVA, Horton S, Krasevec J. Breastfeeding in the 21st century: epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. Lancet. 2016;387(10017):475–90.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Horta BL, de Lima NP. Breastfeeding and Type 2 Diabetes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Curr Diab Rep. 2019;19(1):1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Lyons KE, Ryan CA, Dempsey EM, Ross RP, Stanton C. Breast Milk, a Source of Beneficial Microbes and Associated Benefits for Infant Health. Nutrients. 2020;12(4):1–30.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Saxton A, Fahy K, Rolfe M, Skinner V, Hastie C. Does skin-to-skin contact and breast feeding at birth affect the rate of primary postpartum haemorrhage: Results of a cohort study. Midwifery. 2015;31(11):1110–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Donadon MF, Martin-Santos R, Osorio FL. Oxytocin effects on the cognition of women with postpartum depression: A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2021;111(110098). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110098. 

  8. Chowdhury R, Sinha B, Sankar MJ, Taneja S, Bhandari N, Rollins N. Breastfeeding and maternal health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Paediatr. 2015;104(467):96–113.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  9. WHO (World Health Organisation). Nutrition and Food Safety. Available from: https://www.who.int/teams/nutrition-and-food-safety/food-and-nutrition-actions-in-health-systems/ten-steps-to-successful-breastfeeding. Accessed 30 July 2022.

  10. UNICEF global databases. Breastfeeding - UNICEF Data. 2021. Available from: https://data.unicef.org/topic/nutrition/breastfeeding/. Accessed 10 Nov 2022.

  11. Bürger B, Tripolt T, Griesbacher A, Stüger HP, Wolf-Spitzer A. Sukie – Studie zum Stillverhalten und zur Kinderernährung in Österreich Endbericht. Bundesministerium für Soziales, Gesundheit, Pfl und Konsum. 2021;1–91.  Available from: https://broschuerenservice.sozialministerium.at/Home/Download?publicationId=785. Accessed 30 Aug 2022.

  12. Nnebe-Agumadu UH, Racine EF, Laditka SB, Coffman MJ. Associations between perceived value of exclusive breastfeeding among pregnant women in the United States and exclusive breastfeeding to three and six months postpartum: A prospective study. Int Breastfeed J. 2016;11(1):1–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Santacruz-Salas E, Aranda-Reneo I, Segura-Fragoso A, Cobo-Cuenca AI, Laredo-Aguilera JA, Carmona-Torres JM. Mothers’ expectations and factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(1):3–5.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Gianni LM, Bettinelli EM, Manfra P, Soreentino G, Bezzee E, Plevani L, et al. Breastfeeding Difficulties and Risk for Early Breastfeeding Cessation. Nutrients. 2019;11(2266):1–10.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Gila-Díaz A, Carrillo GH, de Pablo ÁLL, Arribas SM, Ramiro-Cortijo D. Association between maternal postpartum depression, stress, optimism, and breastfeeding pattern in the first six months. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(19):1–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. De Senna AFK, Giugliani C, Avilla J, Bizon AMBL, Martins ACM, Giugliani ERJ. Maternal satisfaction with breastfeeding in the first month postpartum and associated factors. Int Breastfeed J. 2020;15(1):1–11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Odom EC, Li R, Scanlon KS, Perrine CG, Grummer-Strawn L. Reasons for Earlier Than Desired Cessation of Breastfeeding. Pediatrics. 2013;131(3):726–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Pevzner M, Dahan A. Mastitis While Breastfeeding: Prevention, the Importance of Proper Treatment, and Potential Complications. J Clin Med. 2020;9(8):2328.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  19. Colombo L, Crippa BL, Consonni D, Bettinelli ME, Agosti V, Mangino G, et al. Breastfeeding Determinants in Healthy Term Newborns. Nutrients. 2018;10(1):48.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  20. Kitano N, Nomura K, Kido M, Murakami K, Ohkubo T, Ueno M, et al. Combined effects of maternal age and parity on successful initiation of exclusive breastfeeding. Prev Med Rep. 2016;3:121–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Liu P, Qiao L, Xu F, Zhang M, Wang Y, Binns CW. Factors Associated with Breastfeeding Duration. J Hum Lact. 2013;29:253–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Santana GS, Giugliani ERJ, de O Vieira T, O Vieira G. Factors associated with breastfeeding maintenance for 12 months or more: a systematic review. J Pediatr. 2018;94(2):104–22.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Statistik Austria. Migrationshintergrund. 2022. Available from: https://www.statistik.at/statistiken/bevoelkerung-und-soziales/bevoelkerung/migration-und-einbuergerung/migrationshintergrund. Accessed 29 July 2022.

  24. Bich TH, Long TK, Hoa DP. Community-based father education intervention on breastfeeding practice - Results of a quasi-experimental study. Matern Child Nutr. 2019;15:e12705.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  25. Ballesta-Castillejos A, Gómez-Salgado J, Rodríguez-Almagro J, Ortiz-Esquinas I, Hernández-Martínez A. Factors that influence mothers’ prenatal decision to breastfeed in Spain. Int Breastfeed J. 2020;15(97):1–9.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Laksono AD, Wulandari RD, Ibad M, Kusrini I. The effects of mother’s education on achieving exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia. BMC Public Health. 2021;21(1):14.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  27. Neves PAR, Barros AJD, Gatica-Dominguez G, Vaz JS, Baker P, Lutter CK. Maternal education and equity in breastfeeding: trends and patterns in 81 low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2019. Int J Equity Heal. 2021;20(1):20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Statistik Austria. Bildung. 2022. Available from: https://www.statistik.at/statistiken/bevoelkerung-und-soziales/gender-statistiken/bildung. Accessed 29 July 2022.

  29. Cohen SS, Alexander DD, Krebs NF, Young BE, Cabana MD, Erdmann P, et al. Factors Associated with Breastfeeding Initiation and Continuation: A Meta-Analysis. J Pediatr. 2018;203:190-196.e21.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Wu Y, Wang Y, Huang J, Zhang Z, Wang J, Zhou L, et al. The association between caesarean delivery and the initiation and duration of breastfeeding: a prospective cohort study in China. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2018;72(12):1644–54.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Bigelow AE, Power M. Mother-Infant Skin-to-Skin Contact: Short- and Long-Term Effects for Mothers and Their Children Born Full-Term. Front Psychol. 2020;11:1921.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  32. Enengl S, Pecks U, Oppelt P, Stelzl P, Trautner PS, Shebl O, et al. Antibody Response and Maternofetal Antibody Transfer in SARS-CoV-2-Positive Pregnant Women: A Multicenter Observational Study. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2022;82(05):501–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

Not applicable.

Funding

Research for this paper was not supported by any specific grants from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University Hospital, Johannes Kepler University, Altenbergerstrasse 69, 4040, Linz, Austria

    Katrin Oberfichtner, Peter Oppelt, Katharina Hrauda, Julia Lastinger, Patrick Stelzl & Sabine Enengl

  2. University of Applied Sciences for the Health Professions, Linz, Austria

    Daniela Fritz & Barbara Schildberger

  3. Institute for Statistical Analysis Jaksch & Partner GmbH, Linz, Austria

    Christian Fritz

Authors
  1. Katrin Oberfichtner
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Peter Oppelt
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Daniela Fritz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Katharina Hrauda
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Christian Fritz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Barbara Schildberger
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Julia Lastinger
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Patrick Stelzl
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Sabine Enengl
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

K. Oberfichtner: protocol development, data management, manuscript writing; P. Oppelt: protocol development, manuscript editing; D. Fritz: data management; K. Hrauda: protocol development, data management; C. Fritz: data management, statistical analysis; J. Lastinger: manuscript editing; P. Stelzl: manuscript editing; S. Enengl: protocol development, data management, manuscript writing.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Katrin Oberfichtner.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The study was approved by the local ethics committee (JKU-Ethikkommission; EK – 1242/2019) on 10 June 2020. The study was carried out in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from all women participating in the study.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary Information

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated in a credit line to the data.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Oberfichtner, K., Oppelt, P., Fritz, D. et al. Breastfeeding in primiparous women – expectations and reality: a prospective questionnaire survey. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 23, 654 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-023-05971-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-023-05971-1

Keywords

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

ISSN: 1471-2393

Contact us