Abstract
Background: Sensory over-responsiveness, pain hypersensitivity, and family resilience have received little attention in relation to exclusive breastfeeding.
Aim: To investigate whether sensory over-responsiveness, pain hypersensitivity, and/or family resilience are associated with exclusive breastfeeding in Australian mothers 6 months after birth.
Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey study design, an online self-administered questionnaire collected quantitative and qualitative data from Australian mothers >18 years with a healthy baby born in the last 6 to 8 months.
Results: Fifty-seven Australian mothers commenced the survey. Neither sensory over-responsiveness nor pain hypersensitivity were associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Family resilience was the strongest predictor of exclusive breastfeeding. It was also negatively correlated with sensory over-responsiveness for mothers who were non-exclusively breastfeeding, and with pain hypersensitivity for mothers who were exclusive breastfeeding. The association between intention to breastfeed and duration of breastfeeding was much stronger for mothers with sensory over-responsiveness. The majority of mothers who provided qualitative responses reported pain as part of their breastfeeding experience and a small number described sensory sensitivity. Neither of these factors reportedly contributed to the cessation of exclusive breastfeeding
Conclusion: The implications of family resilience and sensory over-responsiveness warrant further consideration in relation to exclusive breastfeeding, with a view to informing approaches to increase breastfeeding rates.
Impact: This study is the first to consider sensory over responsivity in a cohort of Australian mothers. Findings will inform further research to support optimal breastfeeding outcomes.