The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Breastfeeding Success in Lactating Mothers

Introduction Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to promote children's health. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between Emotional Intelligence (EI) and success of breastfeeding. Materials and Methods In a cross-sectional study in referring of multiple health centers in Shiraz, sample of 150 mothers with children aged one to three 3 years were selected using convenience sampling method and divided to breast fed and formula fed children groups, they obtained Bar-on and demographic questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS software and significant level for all tests was considered as 5%. Results Mean age of mothers was 28.8 +/- 4.3 and the mean age of children was 19.80 +/- 5.8 months in breast fed and 18.98 +/- 6.25 in formula fed infants (p=0.406); 45.3% of mothers were high school graduates or low literate, and the rest of them were college educated. 71.3% of the women were housewives and most of them were nulliparous. 71.3% of all women had cesarean delivery. The mean duration of breastfeeding in children were 14.80 +/- 4.35 months in breast fed and 3.98 +/- 1.25 months in formula fed infants (p<0.001). In terms of the average age, education and child birth rank, the two groups were not significantly different (P>0.05). Emotional intelligence in the group of lactating mothers was significantly higher than non-lactating mothers (347 versus 296; P<0.001). Conclusion Mothers who success in breastfeeding have higher EQ than non-lactating mothers. Since it is possible to identify and promote EQ, therefore, we can help to breastfeeding success of mothers.