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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Ann M. Dozier, RN, PhD¹, Cynthia R. Howard, MD, MPH², Carol Podgorski, PhD³, Cynthia K. Childs, MFA, MPH¹, and Ruth A. Lawrence, MD⁴. (1) Community and Preventive Medicine/Division Public Health, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave - Box 664, Rochester, NY 14642, 5852732592, ann_dozier@urmc.rochester.edu, (2) Pediatrics, Rochester General Hospital, 1425 Portland Ave, Rochester, NY 14621, (3) General Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave - Box MCH, Rochester, NY 14642, (4) Pediatrics, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave - Box 777, Rochester, NY 14642

This study sought to assess mothers' feelings about their infant feeding decision. A national debate occurred with the release of the National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign's that its negative tone and criticism of formula use could contribute to guilt feelings among formula-feeding mothers (FF).

An infant feeding decision survey designed by pediatric and survey experts, included 27 categorical questions about infant feeding choice (influences on, changes in and mothers' feelings including guilt). 207 formula feeding and 256 postpartum breastfeeding (BF) mothers completed the survey prior to discharge.

Over 94% (both FF/BF) reported feeling “very comfortable” with their feeding decision (NS), although among FF 13% indicated difficulty with the decision (p<.05). “Which of the following emotions or feelings do you have about your decisions on how to feed your baby?” yielded no significant differences for relief or embarrassment. Comfort and happiness were high (>94 and >91%) for both groups. Significantly (p<.05) more FF mothers reported feelings of regret (6%) and guilt (11%) while more BF mothers reported worry (33%) and fear (16%). The strongest single emotion, after happiness and comfort (> 85%) differed; among remaining BF mothers 7% indicated worry and 4% relief. Among remaining FF mothers 11% indicated relief, 3% guilt/regret. Factor analysis yielded three factors (guilt/regret; worry/relief and comfort/happiness) that accounted for 60% of the variance.

Despite feelings of happiness and comfort both FF and BF mothers reported negative, albeit different, feelings (guilt/regret vs. fear/worry). Additional study and analysis of mothers' feelings and this survey instrument is warranted.

Learning Objectives: