by Tung Mui Yin. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 109-125). / Questionnaire also in Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii-iii / Chapter Chapter 1. --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter Chapter 2. --- Literature Review / Trends in breastfeeding --- p.4 / Benefits of breastfeeding --- p.5 / Factors associated with the decision to breastfeed --- p.12 / Timing of decision to breastfeed --- p.20 / Factors influencing the maintenance of breastfeeding --- p.21 / Studies on evaluation of the effect of breastfeeding education program --- p.36 / Chapter Chapter 3. --- Methodology / Hypotheses --- p.43 / Operational definitions --- p.44 / Research design --- p.45 / Ethical approval --- p.45 / Sample --- p.45 / Randomization of the subjects --- p.47 / Data collection --- p.48 / Instruments --- p.49 / Intervention --- p.53 / Method of data analysis --- p.57 / Chapter Chapter 4. --- Results / Sample characteristics --- p.59 / Effect of intervention on the attitude towards and knowledge of breastfeeding --- p.63 / "Effect of intervention on the rate of intention, initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding" --- p.68 / Factors influencing the intention to breastfeed --- p.71 / Factors influencing the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding --- p.75 / Hospital policy on breastfeeding and the reasons for early cessation of breastfeeding --- p.80 / Chapter Chapter 5. --- Discussion and Conclusions / Introduction --- p.84 / Limitations of the study --- p.84 / Effect of the antenatal breastfeeding education program on attitude towards and knowledge of breastfeeding --- p.90 / Effect of the antenatal breastfeeding education program on the intention and initiation of breastfeeding --- p.91 / Factors contributing to the success of the antenatal breastfeeding education program --- p.92 / Factors influencing the intention of breastfeeding --- p.94 / Effect of the antenatal breastfeeding education program on the maintenance of breastfeeding --- p.96 / Conclusion and implications for future breastfeeding promotion programs --- p.104 / References --- p.109 / Appendices / Chapter 1. --- Letter of ethical approval / Chapter 2. --- Letter of request for approval / Chapter 3. --- Consent form / Chapter 4. --- Questionnaire / Chapter 5. --- Teaching plan for the antenatal breastfeeding education program / Chapter 6. --- Summary of mean attitude scores for individual items / Chapter 7. --- Performance of women in knowledge towards breastfeeding scale