Instrument Development and Psychometric Validation using Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Breastfeeding Relationship Scale.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Breastfeeding Relationship Scale (BFRS) was developed to measure mother-infant mutual responsiveness during breastfeeding. The purpose of this study was to develop and test the psychometric properties of the BFRS. METHODS Construct validity of a 16-item three-factor model (Mother-Infant Breastfeeding Interaction, Perceived Adequate Milk Supply, and Breastfeeding Synchronicity) was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and reliability (Cronbach's alpha) across two independent samples. RESULTS CFA of the hypothesized three-factor model demonstrated good fit in both samples (comparative fit index > .90, root mean square error of approximation < .06, square root mean residual < .06l). Cronbach's alpha for the constructs ranged between .73 and .83. CONCLUSION The BFRS is a valid measure of breastfeeding relations between mother and infant. Reliability was acceptable for all constructs in both samples.