Continuation of Breast‐Feeding in an Israeli Population

Abstract

SummaryDemographic and perinatal factors were analyzed in an Israeli urban community to determine the rates of continuation of breast‐feeding and the factors influencing these rates. For the purpose of this study, breast‐feeding was defined as occurring if infants received at least one breast‐feed during a 24‐h period. Among 633 mothers initiating breast‐feeding, 40.3% completed 3 months of breast‐feeding. The factors significantly associated with the continuation of breast‐feeding were maternal religious belief, high education level, high parity, and previous breast‐feeding success. Multivariate analysis by stepwise logistic regression showed that orthodox religious belief was the most significant associated factor. A third interview undertaken after 12 months among the 165 mothers who successfully completed 3 months of breast feeding showed declines of breastfeeding at the second (31.5%), third (53.1%), and fourth (60.4%) trimesters. Only 12.7% of this population completed 12 months of breast‐feeding. Again, the mothers' religious beliefs and education levels were significantly related to the continuation of breast‐feeding. Each specific community must be analyzed to find those groups of mothers at risk for early weaning from breast‐feeding.