Concept Analysis of Effective Breastfeeding

This study was conducted to analyze and clarify the concept of the effective breastfeeding.

This study used Walker and Avant's process of concept analysis.

Effective breastfeeding is how to give infant adequate milk, which fulfills needs of mother and infant, from her breast so that they can be satisfied with the process and results. It included the effective breastfeeding properties as follows: feeding behaviors (positioning, latch on, and suckling), transferring a breast milk to an infant, mother-infant interaction, and satisfying their desires (satisfaction, comfort, mother's self-confidence, infant's adequate weight gain and defecation, adequate breastfeeding interval). The antecedent of effective breastfeeding were anatomical and functional normal breast, breastfeeding knowledge and steady-state of mother, and feeding desire, rooting reflex and normal oral cavity of infant. The consequences of effective breastfeeding were exclusive breastfeeding, infant and maternal health and wellbeing, and achievement of mother and infant attachment.

The meaning of effective breastfeeding defined in this study will contribute to develop the effectiveness breastfeeding assessment tool and the nursing intervention for ineffective breastfeeding.