Maternal Stress, Social Support, and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy: Understanding Their Interplay and Impact on Breastfeeding Outcomes in Singapore

This study investigated the relationships among stress, social support and breastfeeding self-efficacy and their impact on breastfeeding outcomes, in the context of Singapore, and the extent to which various stressors caused stress to breastfeeding mothers. This survey of 268 breastfeeding mothers found that social support and breastfeeding self-efficacy were negatively associated with maternal stress, and breastfeeding self-efficacy was positively associated with breastfeeding exclusivity and duration. Concerns regarding the mother's lifestyle and health and latching difficulties were most prevalent and stressful, highlighting the importance of building mothers' social support and breastfeeding self-efficacy, to enhance well-being and breastfeeding and child development outcomes.