DEVELOPMENT OF THE H-AND-H LACTATION SCALE

Psychometric properties of the H & H Lactation Scale, based on the Ins ufficient Milk Supply (IMS) conceptual framework, were examined in two separate studies. The two convenience samples consisted of 110 mother s of low-birth-weight (LBW) infants and 120 mothers of healthy term in fants. Both groups planned to breastfeed and were actively breastfeedi ng or pumping to maintain a milk supply. Subscales identified by facto r analysis measured three concepts: maternal confidence/commitment of breastfeeding, perceived infant breastfeeding satiety, and maternal-in fant breastfeeding satisfaction. All subscales showed moderate to high internal consistency (alphas .75 to .98) as well as concurrent and pr edictive validity. The total scale the the three subscales were prospe ctively, significantly related to level of breastfeeding 8 weeks after delivery with both groups of mothers.