Facteurs associés à l’allaitement maternel du nourrisson jusqu’à 6 mois à la maternité de l’hôpital Antoine-Béclère, Clamart

Abstract

In order to improve the frequency and duration of breastfeeding, various public health initiatives have been established at local and national levels in France. In 2002, we conducted a study in the maternity center of the Antoine Beclere Hospital with the aim to describe breastfeeding practices and to identify factors associated with its duration. This prospective study was conducted among newborns of immediate postpartum women admitted to the maternity center of the Antoine Beclere Hospital (Clamart, France). Extremely premature newborns were excluded (<31 weeks of amenorrhea). Mothers were interviewed at delivery, at one month and 6 months postpartum. Data were collected on maternal medical history, pregnancy and delivery, the newborn's health status, feeding practices, and the reasons for their choice in feeding practices. Between January 7 and April 7, 2002, 562 newborns were included in the study. At birth, 73% were breastfed, whereas 68% were breastfed at discharge from the maternity center. Among the latter, 89% of infants were still being breastfed at one month, and 37% at 6 months of age. Factors associated with breastfeeding at one month were as follows: a secondary level of education (OR(a): 2.4 [1.0-5.7] compared to primary level), multiparity (OR(a): 3.0 [1.2-8.0] compared to primiparity), full-term birth (OR(a): 6.6 [2.4-18.4] compared to premature birth), treatment during pregnancy (OR(a): 0.2 [0.04-0.6]), and medical history (OR(a): 0.4 [0.2-1.0]). Among women who were breastfeeding at one month, the continuation of breastfeeding at 6 months was associated with a secondary education level (OR(a): 2.2 [1.0-5.0]), the choice of feeding practice during pregnancy (OR(a): 2.5 [1.1-5.0] compared to those who did not choose), and to medically assisted reproduction (OR(a): 5.0 [1.2-14.3] compared to spontaneous procreation). The prevalence of breastfeeding observed in this study is higher than it was observed at the national level. Factors associated with continuation of breastfeeding at 6 months allow identifying women who should be encouraged to breastfeed by the maternity team involved during pregnancy. Interventions should therefore involve maternity healthcare professionals as a first step in breastfeeding promotion.