Breastfeeding self-efficacy predicts breastmilk feeding in preterm infants at discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit

Aim: To examine the association between breastfeeding self-efficacy (BSE) and breastmilk feeding at discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit among mothers of preterm infants. Design: Secondary analysis of the Family Integrated Care (FICare) cluster randomized controlled trial. Methods: Data from 221 mothers of preterm infants who participated in the standard care group of the trial were analysed. BSE at admission was assessed using the modified Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF). Breastmilk feeding was assessed using 24 hr maternal recall at discharge. Results: Mothers who were exclusively breastmilk feeing their infants at discharge had statistically significantly higher mean BSES-SF scores at admission (68.4, SD = 13.7) than those providing a combination of breastmilk and formula or only formula (59.6, SD = 14.7; p < .001). Multivariable logistic regression showed that higher BSE at admission, maternal birth in Canada, and absence of diabetes were statistically significant predictors of exclusive breastmilk feeding at discharge.