Breast functions perceived by Korean mothers: infant nutrition and female sexuality

West J Nurs Res. 2010 Apr;32(3):363-78. doi: 10.1177/0193945909349252. Epub 2009 Dec 1.

Abstract

The descriptive cross-sectional study of 2,235 Korean postpartum women was conducted to explore (a) feeding types with related factors, (b) the perceived benefits of each feeding type, (c) the perceived sexuality-related barriers to breast-feeding, and (d) the perceived relative significance of breast functions. The most frequently utilized feeding type was breast-feeding only. The gender of infants, vaginal delivery, not being employed, having a nuclear family, previous breast-feeding experience, and previously receiving breast-feeding education were statistically significant factors of breast-feeding. Breast-feeding and mixed feeding mothers indicated that their feeding choices were based on nutritional benefits, convenience, and improving family relationships. Only breast-feeding mothers reported changes in breast shape as a perceived sexuality-related barrier to breast-feeding. All mothers reported that infant feeding was a more significant concern than female sexual functioning, but post hoc Schéffe revealed that the breast-feeding mothers appreciated infant feeding function more than female sexual functioning.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast / physiology*
  • Breast Feeding*
  • Child Nutrition Sciences*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Postpartum Period
  • Republic of Korea
  • Sexuality*