Support Network Utilization by Breastfeeding Mothers

Abstract

The Utilization of Support Network Questionnaire (USNQ) was developed to determine how mothers utilize their network for successful breastfeeding. Sixty breastfeeding mothers completed the USNQ. Lactation consultants were the most utilized resources for providing expert information and answering questions. Husbands, friends, or family were important resources for closest personal facets of breastfeeding, including encouraging confidence. At two weeks postpartum, breastfeeding mothers had larger total support scores than non-breastfeeding mothers. USNQ reliably discriminated between professional and personal support for breastfeeding.