Breastfeeding Intention, Knowledge, and Attitude of Pregnant Women in Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Objective The objective of this study was to describe breastfeeding intention, knowledge, and attitude, and sources of infant feeding information during the prenatal period among a cohort of pregnant women in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). Study Design Pregnant women who were receiving treatment for OUD and in the third trimester completed a questionnaire that measured demographic characteristics, infant feeding intentions, breastfeeding beliefs and attitudes, and sources of breastfeeding information. Frequency counts and percentages and means and standard deviations were used to describe data. Results Sixty-five women completed the survey. Three-fourths reported some intention to breastfeeding. While attitudes around breastfeeding were generally positive, less than half of respondents knew the recommendations and infant health benefits of breastfeeding. Conclusion Prenatal programs for women in treatment for OUD should consider addressing patient-reported concerns and gaps in knowledge regarding the benefits of and recommendation for breastfeeding.

Automated summary

The study aimed to describe breastfeeding intention, knowledge, and attitude among pregnant women in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). While most participants expressed some intention to breastfeed, less than half were aware of recommendations and benefits of breastfeeding. Prenatal programs for women with OUD should address gaps in knowledge and concerns regarding breastfeeding.