Maternal self-efficacy: perspectives on formula milk and insufficient breast milk in Koja District Health Center, Indonesia

Breastfeeding self-efficacy substantially impacts mothers’ perceptions of formula milk and their beliefs regarding breast milk inadequacy, thereby directly influencing breastfeeding behaviors. Despite the considerable health advantages of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers, diminishing breastfeeding rates and a growing dependence on formula milk underscore the necessity for interventions aimed at enhancing mothers’ confidence in breastfeeding. This study’s objective is to determine the relationship among breastfeeding self-efficacy, perception of formula milk, and perceived breast milk insufficiency among breastfeeding mothers. A quantitative analytical approach using a cross-sectional design was employed, involving 103 breastfeeding mothers with infants under six months. Data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire on formula milk perceptions, an adapted Perceived Insufficient Milk (PIM) questionnaire, and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF). A significant relationship was identified between perceptions of breast milk inadequacy and breastfeeding self-efficacy (p=0.001). Factors such as exclusive breastfeeding experience and current infant nutrition positively correlated with self-efficacy. Addressing the perceptions of breast milk inadequacy is essential for promoting breastfeeding self-efficacy and improving breastfeeding practices. Future research should explore how these factors evolve over time and how they affect breastfeeding success.