Overview
Prenatal breastfeeding intentions refer to the willingness of a pregnant mother to breastfeed her newborn baby. This intention is important as it impacts the likelihood of a mother’s future breastfeeding practices. Research indicates that women with a stronger intention to breastfeed during pregnancy are more likely to initiate and maintain breastfeeding for at least the first six months of their infant’s life. Thus, prenatal breastfeeding intentions are a key predictor of breastfeeding outcomes, and health care providers should encourage pregnant mothers to think through their breastfeeding intentions. Additionally, interventions that help pregnant mothers make informed decisions, including those that discuss the short- and long-term benefits of breastfeeding and potential barriers mothers may face, can help increase the likelihood of successful breastfeeding practices.