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Maternal Perceptions and Influences Related to Co-sleeping and Breastfeeding

Finchum, Jodi A.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1543585789242436

Abstract Details

2018, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Health Education.
Abstract Study One Introduction. An estimated 3,500 infants die annually in the United States. Co-sleeping has been deemed a contributor to several of those deaths. Several studies show a significant number of mothers reporting co-sleeping with their infant. It is important to better understand mothers’ perceptions and their sources of information about co-sleeping. Methods. A 20-item online survey was developed to assess mothers’ perceptions of co-sleeping and mothers’ reporting of their own co-sleeping habits and environments. Descriptive and inferential statistics were examined. Results. 457 (65%) of the mother’s reported co-sleeping at nighttime with their baby in the past year. If mothers’ reported they viewed co-sleeping as safe, they were 6 times more likely to have co-slept with their baby in the past year. If mothers’ had knowledge of the ABC’s of safe sleep, they were 2.3 times more likely to not co-sleep. Most participants reported being influenced by their spouse regarding their co-sleeping choice, and the most common co-sleeping surface reported was a queen bed, in which more women of lower income slept on than women of higher income. Conclusions. Even though public health officials have encouraged mothers’ to avoid co-sleeping, the practice is still very common. It is necessary to examine the specificity of infant sleeping location and other maternal risk factors that may influences SIDS deaths. Additional research is needed to identify if co-sleeping can be done safely, accompanied by proper education about safer sleep environments for mothers’ that do co-sleep. Abstract Study Two Introduction. Breastfeeding benefits for the infant, mother and community are well-documented. However, the United States has low breastfeeding rates compared to other industrialized nations. This study examines social influences related to breastfeeding among women in the U.S. Method. An online 20-item survey was developed to assess mothers’ perceptions of co-sleeping and other demographic characteristics including breastfeeding choices. Results. 64.5% of mothers’ reported co-sleeping with their baby at nighttime in the past year. 89.3% of women had breastfed their most recent baby. Co-sleeping, having higher income and being married were correlated with mothers’ reports of breastfeeding. Conclusions. Additional examination of relationships between co-sleeping and breastfeeding is needed, as well as more studies focusing on co-sleeping environments and the possibility of safer co-sleeping environments.
Laura Nabors, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Keith King, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Rebecca Vidourek, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
60 p.
Health Education
co-sleeping; breastfeeding; sudden infant death syndrome; SIDS; bedsharing; breastsleeping

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Finchum, J. A. (2018). Maternal Perceptions and Influences Related to Co-sleeping and Breastfeeding [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1543585789242436

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Finchum, Jodi. Maternal Perceptions and Influences Related to Co-sleeping and Breastfeeding. 2018. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1543585789242436.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Finchum, Jodi. "Maternal Perceptions and Influences Related to Co-sleeping and Breastfeeding." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1543585789242436

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1543585789242436
356
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This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.