Table 2.
Factors that influenced mothers’ breastfeeding decision
| Factors | Most important | Second most important* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| n (%) | n (%) | ||
| In mothers who were breastfeeding (n = 259) | |||
| Reasons for breastfeeding my child | I believe breastmilk is the best | 203 (78.4) | 20 (13.6) |
| It improves mother-infant bonding | 25 (9.7) | 73 (49.7) | |
| It is hygienic | 14 (5.4) | 32 (21.8) | |
| It is convenient | 9 (3.5) | 15 (10.2) | |
| It is economical | 6 (2.3) | 7 (4.8) | |
| Othera | 2 (0.8) | NA | |
| Main people who influenced my decision** | I made the decision myself | 161 (62.4) | 9 (10.3) |
| Health professional | 42 (16.3) | 21 (24.1) | |
| Husband | 36 (14.0) | 29 (33.3) | |
| Mother(s) | 13 (5.0) | 27 (31.0) | |
| Nanny | 6 (2.3) | 1 (1.1) | |
| In mothers who were NOT breastfeeding (n = 27) | |||
| Reasons for not breastfeeding my child | I have tried unsuccessfully | 22 (81.5) | 0 |
| I am too tired to breastfeed | 2 (7.4) | 3 (75.0) | |
| Otherb | 3 (11.1) | 1 (25.0) | |
| Main people who influenced my decision | I made the decision myself | 25 (92.6) | 0 |
| Mother(s) | 2 (7.4) | 0 | |
NA not applicable
*This does not necessarily add up to N, since many mothers failed to indicate the second most important factor; **Data was missing for 1
aBreastmilk protects my child from diseases; My child refused formula milk
bMy child was unable to latch successfully (× 2); I have not had milk since giving birth, but will try again