Factors determining the motivation to breastfeed in the Lithuanian female population

BACKGROUND: The benefits of breastfeeding (BF) are evident for both the baby and the mother, however, in Lithuania, on average, only around 49.3% of infants were breastfed exclusively for up to 6 months between 2017 and 2021. The aim of this study was to evaluate the BF motivation (BM) of mothers and the factors determining it in Lithuania. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2022. A total of 572 women, who were raising an infant aged 2-6 months were anonymously surveyed in Lithuania (response rate 38.9%). BM was evaluated using 24-item scale developed by Kestler-Peleg et al. It was divided into 4 factors using exploratory factor analysis. The sum score, mean, and standard deviation (SD) of the motivation scale was calculated. Relationships between BM and various factors were determined using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman's correlation tests. RESULTS: It was found that BM of mothers’ was average (69.6 (SD 14.2) out of 96 points). Mothers were most motivated to breastfeed their babies by factors related to their well-being and the health of their baby (3.47 (SD 0.59) out of 4 points), and the least by factors related to the pressure from others (2.23 (SD 0.67) out of 4 points). BM was statistically significantly increased by women's older age, interest in BF, attendance at BF courses, prior decision to breastfeed during pregnancy, greater BF experience, giving birth at the baby friendly hospital, while motivation was decreased by women's higher education, living in a larger city (P < 0.05). Women who have given birth to their first baby and women facing BF problems after childbirth were less motivated to breastfeed (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mothers’ BM was average. In Lithuania, especially in rural areas, it is necessary to increase mothers’ motivation to breastfeed their infants by enhancing their awareness and interest in BF, as well as by encouraging healthcare facilities to adhere to the WHO recommendations for successful BF. KEY MESSAGES: • The motivation of Lithuanian mothers to breastfeed their babies is insufficient. • It depends on women's age, place of residence, self-determination, interest in BF, experience of childbirth and BF, and the nature of the hospital where they gave birth.