An exploratory study of perceived insufficient milk supply and associated factors using the my breast milk guide (MyBMG) digital screening tool

Abdul Ghani, Radiah and Mahasan, Ainun Syuhada and Tengku Azhar, Tengku Norbaya (2026) An exploratory study of perceived insufficient milk supply and associated factors using the my breast milk guide (MyBMG) digital screening tool. International Journal of Care Scholars, 9 (3). pp. 4-13. ISSN 2600-898X

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Abstract

Background: Perceived insufficient milk supply (PIMS) is a common reason for early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding. Although breastfeeding support resources are increasingly available, tools specifically designed to identify mothers at risk of PIMS remain limited in Malaysia. This study aimed to assess PIMS among breastfeeding mothers in Malaysia using the My Breast Milk Guide (MyBMG) digital screening tool and to examine associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 86 Malaysian mothers with breastfeeding experience and children aged 0–36 months. Participants were recruited via social media using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire integrated into the MyBMG web-based platform. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and chi-square tests were performed. Results: Approximately 25.6% of participants were identified as being at risk of perceived insufficient milk supply (PIMS). Employment status and parity were significantly associated with PIMS (p < 0.05), whereas age, education level, mode of delivery, infant age, birth weight, and exclusive breastfeeding status were not significantly associated. Conclusion: This exploratory study identified that approximately one-quarter of participants were at risk of PIMS. Employment status and parity may be associated with perceived milk supply, although no causal inferences can be made. The findings provide preliminary insights into PIMS and the potential use of the MyBMG digital screening tool. Further studies with larger and more representative samples are warranted to validate these findings and to evaluate the psychometric properties and utility of digital tools in supporting breastfeeding practices.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Breast milk, Insufficient milk supply, Lactation, Mobile application
Subjects:	R Medicine > RT Nursing > RT87.A-Z Special topics in basic nursing care, A-Z
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences > Department of Biomedical Science (Effective:1st July 2011)
Depositing User:	Dr. Radiah Abdul Ghani
Date Deposited:	24 Sep 2026 09:48
Last Update:	24 Sep 2026 09:48
Queue Number:	2026-09-Q5236
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/131466
Indexed In:	Google Scholar, MyCite

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