Autonomous motivation, self-efficacy and psycho-physical well-being in a group of Polish breastfeeding mothers: preliminary communication

Aim: The decision to quit breastfeeding is strongly influenced by feelings such as physical or psychological fatigue. Research shows that women with higher levels of breastfeeding self-efficacy are able to better cope with difficulties and continue to breastfeed for longer. The purpose of this study was to find out whether the autonomy of a mother's motivation has an effect on her breastfeeding self-efficacy. Furthermore, the study examined the relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy and such indicators of well-being as the frequency of experiencing positive and negative emotions, life satisfaction and the occurrence of somatic symptoms. Method: The sample consisted of 93 breastfeeding mothers aged 21 to 42 years. The survey was conducted online. Participants answered a questionnaire measuring their level of autonomous motivation to breastfeed, their breastfeeding self-efficacy, the level of somatic stress experienced, the frequency of experiencing positive and negative emotions, and life satisfaction. Results: The results of the study confirmed that the more autonomous the mother's motivation to breastfeed her baby, the higher her breastfeeding self-efficacy. Self-efficacy turned out to be a significant predictor of the frequency of experiencing positive emotions, negative emotions, and somatic stress symptoms. No relationship was found between the mother's self-efficacy and her reported life satisfaction. Conclusions: Autonomous motivation in breastfeeding mothers has a positive effect on their breastfeeding self-efficacy. The higher the breastfeeding self-efficacy, the more positive the breastfeeding mothers' subjective experiences. High breastfeeding self-efficacy, which has a positive effect on the mother's well-being, may also contribute to longer duration of breastfeeding.