Sociodemographic, Psychiatric, and Obstetric Predictors of Breastfeeding [35E

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Despite having been linked to numerous benefits for both mother and child, many women do not initiate breastfeeding postpartum. The current study aims to identify sociodemographic, psychiatric, and obstetric predictors of self-reported breastfeeding at the postpartum visit. METHODS: Pregnant women of all gestational ages (n=238) were recruited at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, GA, through the Grady Trauma Project. IRB approval was obtained for the study. Trauma exposure, depression, and PTSD symptoms were assessed. Data were abstracted from the medical record regarding prenatal care, delivery outcomes, perinatal complications, and breastfeeding. RESULTS: In the current sample, 32.4% reported breastfeeding and 67.6% reported bottle-feeding (formula). African American women (P=.021) and women with less education (P=.024) were less likely to breastfeed. Increased breastfeeding was associated with increased gravidity (P=.003), prior preterm births (P=.004), prior abortions (p less than 0.001), APGAR score at 5 minutes (p less than 0.001), NICU admission (p less than 0.001), estimated blood loss at delivery (p less than 0.001), delivery complications (p less than 0.001), number of triage visits (P=.013), and admissions from triage (P=.019). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that more adverse perinatal and prenatal factors are predictive of greater breastfeeding. This may be due to increased interaction with providers in a hospital setting, or increased confidence in breastfeeding ability due to success in prior pregnancies. However, the rate of women who breastfeed was significantly below the national average (83.2%) and standards set for Healthy People 2020 breastfeeding goals. Provider education may be key to improving likelihood of successful breastfeeding initiation.