Despite intention to breastfeed, smoking during pregnancy is associated with shorter breastfeeding duration

Abstract

While maternal smoking is associated with lower breastfeeding rates, the intention to breastfeed is simultaneously related to higher breastfeeding success. This study aimed to i) analyse the association between maternal smoking and breastfeeding success in a cohort of women who intended to breastfeed and ii) characterise smokers according to a set of diverse variables in order to define efficient breastfeeding promotion interventions. This prospective observational study involved 401 pregnant women who intended to breastfeed. Breastfeeding success was evaluated in relation to maternal smoking status during pregnancy from birth to the first year, along with physiological and socio-cultural variables. Those who smoked during pregnancy had shorter breastfeeding durations when compared to non-smoking mothers. However, smoking cessation during breastfeeding was associated with longer breastfeeding duration. Mothers who smoked during pregnancy were significantly younger, had a lower level of education, gained more weight during pregnancy, used more oxytocin during labour, used a teat or pacifier more often and exclusively breastfed less during the first week. Knowledge of the characteristics of smoking mothers and their breastfeeding practices should help to improve the effectiveness of breastfeeding promotion strategies.