Abstract

An experimental study was conducted on thirty primiparae during the postpartum period to determine if individualized instruction regarding infant feeding would result in a lower level of maternal concern in this area. The study sample was randomly and evenly divided into a control and an experimental group. It was statistically determined that the two groups were homogeneous in regard to age, education, occupation, previous information (prenatal classes and reading) and help at home. The experimental group received individualized instruction by the researchers concerning their chosen method of infant feeding on the second postpartum day. There was no instruction given the control group by the researchers. Assistance given both groups by the regular hospital staff varied among the mothers. Primiparae in both groups were visited three to five days following their discharge from the hospital by one of the researchers. The purpose of this visit was to have the primiparae complete a questionnaire designed to indicate maternal concern regarding infant feeding. At this time, the primiparae were observed for outward manifestations of anxiety.

It was found that there was no statistically significant difference in the level of maternal concern between the control and the experimental groups. The hypothesis, therefore, was not supported.

An analysis was performed on the observed anxiety symptoms. The results showed a statistically significant higher level of observable anxiety symptoms in the experimental group. This may be an indication why they did not score lower on the questionnaire.

The results of this study suggested that further research in this particular area is indicated to determine the relationship between individualized instruction in infant feeding and maternal concern.

LLU Discipline

Nursing

Department

Nursing

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

Clarice W. Woodward

Second Advisor

Karen J. Radke

Third Advisor

Willard R. Centerwall

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

1971

Date (Title Page)

5-1971

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Postnatal Care -- education; Infant Food -- education; Maternal Behavior

Type

Thesis

Page Count

vii; 67

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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