A Literature Review of the Factors that Influence Breastfeeding: An Application of the Health Belief Model

Abstract

Breastfeeding is beneficial for both mother and child. Exclusive breastfeeding rate and early initiation of breastfeeding has not reached desirable level in many countries. Understanding the factors that influence infant feeding will help in promotion, protecting and supporting breast feeding. This review identified the determinants of infant feeding practices and presented it using the Health Belief Model as a frame work. Several data bases were searched with specific keywords and findings reveal that maternal sociodemograhpic characteristic like age, education, parity, economic status, and employment may influence breastfeeding. Other factors include, antenatal attendance, multiple births, type of delivery, previous breastfeeding experience, breastfeeding support, Knowledge of individual’s feeding as babies, maternal prenatal feeding intention and infant birth weight. Women will breastfeed as recommended if they are influenced to develop a positive perception about breastfeeding.