The Model of Mother’s Self-management Regarding Exclusive Breastfeeding for 6 Months: A Case Study at Bo Sub-district, Khlung District, Chanthaburi Province

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to explore the perception of participants regarding mother’s self-management in establishing and sustaining exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months in Bo Sub-district, Khlung District, Chanthaburi Province. The participants were 11 postpartum
mothers who were successful in exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. The research instrument was an interview guide of mother’s self-management regarding exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. Data were collected from April to May, 2016. Data were analyzed
using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and cont ent analysis.

The research results revealed that the model of mother’s self-management regarding exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months comprised 6 steps; 1) the intention for exclusive breastfeeding; 2) data seeking for exclusive breastfeeding; 3) self-assessment for the abilities of exclusive breastfeeding; 4) the decision making for exclusive breastfeeding; 5) the performances of exclusive breastfeeding; and 6) the following of exclusive breastfeeding results.

This research suggested that health care providers in postpartum clinics should use the model in this study as the guideline for supporting postpartum mother's ability to offer infants 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding.