Post-breastfeeding stress response and breastfeeding self-efficacy as modifiable predictors of exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum: a prospective cohort study

 The purpose behind this study is to measure and maybe increase the women that exclusively breastfeed at 3 months in Japan. The methods used to follow out this study was a set of questionnaires and obtaining salivary cortisol levels. The issue faced is that there are many benefits for mothers and babies that exclusively breastfeed for a longer period of time, in this case 3 months, by mothers not doing this can experience different postpartum experiences. Concluding their research, the results found showed that the factors including no plan to return to work, confidence interval, having a degree, etc. were associated with exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum. Personally, I am aware that breastfeeding to begin with is very difficult and time consuming for mothers. However, I do think that long term breastfeeding can be very beneficial, and that people should strive for what is best for them and their child, that may consist of breast or bottle feeding. When I become a mother, I plan on trying to exclusively breastfeed for as long as I can, but I am also aware that this may not end up being what’s best for me and my child. I think that if affordable healthcare such as providing lactation consultants and professionals were easily accessible that more mothers may find breastfeeding easier.