Breastfeeding Duration Rates Research Articles

Implementing Policy and Practice Changes to Support Breastfeeding Duration in New York State Communities.

The health benefits of breastfeeding are well-documented, but rates of breastfeeding duration in the US fall below national targets - especially when mothers have less education, have lower incomes, are non-Hispanic Black, or live in nonmetropolitan areas. The Creating Breastfeeding Friendly Communities program was designed to promote breastfeeding and reduce disparities by implementing policy and practice changes in worksites from 2017 through 2023. The purpose of this evaluation was to determine whether the program was effective in increasing breastfeeding supports and addressing disparities. We used a 14-item tool to assess breastfeeding policies and practices at baseline and follow-up at each worksite. We used number of employees to determine worksite size, and we used worksite address to calculate social vulnerability of the community where each site was located and to classify rurality of the county where sites were located. We found significant improvements in the number and quality of breastfeeding supports available at participating worksites (N = 292 at baseline and follow-up). The program successfully reached worksites in socially vulnerable communities. Supports for breastfeeding increased in all worksite subgroups, but they increased less at worksites that were small or rural. The evaluation supports the effectiveness of worksite lactation programs and protective labor laws. Findings suggest that special attention must be given to worksites that are small, located in socially vulnerable communities, or rural counties, to support implementation and reduce disparities.

Effects of Breastfeeding Peer Counseling on County-Level Breastfeeding Rates Among WIC Participants in Greater Minnesota

ObjectiveU.S. breastfeeding outcomes consistently fall short of public health targets, with lower rates among rural and low-income people, as well as participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The U.S. Department of Agriculture funded a subset of local WIC agencies in Minnesota to implement Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Programs (BFPCs) aimed at improving breastfeeding rates. We examined the impact of BFPCs on breastfeeding rates among WIC participants in Greater Minnesota (outside the Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area). MethodsWe used data from the Minnesota WIC Information System for the years 2012 through 2019 to estimate the impact of peer counseling on breastfeeding duration using difference-in-differences models. Additionally, we examined results among rural counties and assessed the possibility of spillover effects by stratifying whether a county without BFPCs bordered one with BFPCs. ResultsAvailability of BFPCs resulted in a 3.1 to 3.4 percentage-point increase in breastfeeding rates at 3 months and a 3.2 to 3.7 percentage-point increase in breastfeeding rates at 6 months among WIC participants in Greater Minnesota. Among rural counties, results showed a statistically significant 4.1 to 5.2 percentage-point increase in breastfeeding duration rates. Both border and nonborder counties experienced positive impacts of BFPCs on breastfeeding rates, suggesting wide-ranging program spillover effects. ConclusionsBFPCs had a significant positive impact on breastfeeding duration. Findings indicate an opportunity for improving rural breastfeeding rates through increased funding for WIC BFPCs.

Practices and Policies That Support Breastfeeding Among Military Women: A Systematic Review.

Previous and limited assessments of breastfeeding in women serving on active duty in the U.S. military demonstrate varied and conflicting data regarding breastfeeding outcomes. Disparities exist within the military where enlisted service members have consistently lower rates of breastfeeding duration compared to officers. Yet, little is known about successful care practices and military policies that promote breastfeeding in military women. The aim of this systematic review is to examine care practices and military policies associated with increased breastfeeding initiation and duration among women serving in the U.S. military. We searched Cochrane Database, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, and PsycInfo for studies published from 2000 to 2022 that included U.S. military personnel and that focused on care practices and military policies that support breastfeeding. Our search terms included (breastfeeding OR breastfeed AND military) and (lactation OR lactating AND military). We included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, cohort, cross-sectional, and other observational designs. We evaluated potential bias in studies using the Evidence Project Risk of Bias Tool and synthesized the overall evidence using the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Synthesis and Recommendations Tool. We included 14 studies that were independently reviewed by two authors. Breastfeeding initiation rates among military women were between 66% and 98%, and breastfeeding duration rates at 6 months ranged from 13% to 62%. In these studies, researchers examined various inpatient care practices (skin-to-skin care, timing of circumcision, and infant baths) (n = 3), care delivered by different types of providers (n = 3), group versus individual prenatal care (n = 2), breastfeeding education (n = 2), length of maternity leave (n = 2), and workplace support (n = 2). Skin-to-skin contact following delivery was positively associated with breastfeeding outcomes. There is insufficient evidence to determine if care by different types of medical providers, different types of prenatal care and education, timing of circumcision or baths, length of maternity leave, and workplace support influence breastfeeding outcomes. Certain perinatal practices designed to encourage early skin-to-skin contact appear to improve breastfeeding initiation and duration among women serving in the U.S. military. However, there is an overall lack of quality evidence supporting effective practices and policies associated with increased breastfeeding initiation and duration in this population. Given the recent movement toward policy changes that support pregnant and postpartum service members across services, more research is needed to determine the impact of these and other practices and policies on breastfeeding rates, specifically among enlisted service members who have demonstrated lower breastfeeding rates than officers.

Breastfeeding Among Pediatric Emergency Physicians: Rates, Barriers, and Support.

Physician mothers are at risk for early cessation of breastfeeding, in part because of challenges associated with returning to work. Given the inherent unpredictability of emergency medicine practice, we hypothesized that pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physicians would face unique challenges in continuing breastfeeding while working in their field. The aims of this study were to determine the 6-month breastfeeding rates of PEM physicians, gain insight into their experiences expressing breast milk while working in pediatric emergency departments, and determine factors that support or discourage successful breastfeeding. This study was a cross-sectional survey of members of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Emergency Medicine via its quarterly membership survey program. Separate survey pathways were developed for respondents who had ever breastfed and those who had not. One hundred ninety-three responded; 91 had breastfed, and 102 had not. Of those who breastfed, 90% did so for 6 months or longer. Mean (SD) duration was 12.5 (7.1) months (range, 2-48 months). Of those who expressed milk at work, only 7.6% felt they "always" had sufficient time to pump; 32% felt they "always" had what they considered to be an appropriate location to pump. Breastfeeding duration rate of at least 6 months was higher for those (66%) who "sometimes" to "always" had access to what they felt were appropriate locations to pump than for those (34%) who "never" or "occasionally" did (98 vs 85%, P = 0.048). Eighty-six percent of respondents who had never breastfed reported being "very supportive" of expressing milk at work. Breastfeeding PEM physicians have high 6-month breastfeeding rates, and many express milk at work. Although colleagues report being supportive, barriers of perceived lack of sufficient time to pump and appropriate pumping locations remain.

Children’s Health Capital Investment: Effects of U.S. Infant Breastfeeding on Teenage Obesity

Obesity, as a health and social problem with rising prevalence and soaring economic cost, is increasingly drawing scholarly and public policy attention. While many studies have suggested that infant breastfeeding protects against childhood obesity, empirical evidence on this causal relationship is fragile. Using the health capital development theory, this study exploited multiple data sources from the U.S. and a three-way error components model (ECM) with a jackknife resampling plan to estimate the effect of in-hospital breastfeeding initiation and breastfeeding for durations of 3, 6, and 12 months on the prevalence of obesity during teenage years. The main finding was that a 1% rise in the in-hospital breastfeeding initiation rate reduces the teenage obesity prevalence rate by 1.7% (9.6% of a standard deviation). The magnitude of this effect declines as the infant breastfeeding duration lengthens—e.g., the 12-month infant breastfeeding duration rate is associated with a 0.53% (3.7% of a standard deviation) reduction in obesity prevalence in the teenage years (9th to 12th grades). The study findings agree with both the behavioral and physiological theories on the long-term effects of breastfeeding, and have timely implications for public policies promoting infant breastfeeding to reduce the economic burden of teenage and later adult-stage obesity prevalence rates.

Improving breastfeeding duration through creation of a breastfeeding-friendly pediatric practice.

Breastfeeding is the gold standard for infant feeding. In the United States, 83.2% of women initiate breastfeeding on their infant's birth. When the infant reaches 6 months of age, however, only 57.6% of mothers are still breastfeeding, and a mere 24.9% are breastfeeding exclusively. Breastfeeding rates in rural areas are below the national averages. The greatest disparities exist in minorities and individuals with lower educational and socioeconomic status. A preintervention/postintervention design was used for this quality improvement project. The Model for Improvement's Plan, Do, Study, Act cycle guided the project processes. Breastfeeding rates were obtained at each well-child visit from newborn through 4 months of age. On completion, mean preimplementation and postimplementation breastfeeding rates were compared to determine effectiveness. A breastfeeding support initiative was implemented at a multisite rural Illinois pediatric practice. An evidence-based breastfeeding policy was developed, staff education sessions were conducted, private lactation rooms were created, and breastfeeding photographs/posters were displayed throughout the offices. Lactation support services were publicized via signs and social media postings. Overall breastfeeding rates were higher at each time point after implementation. Statistically significant increases occurred at the newborn and 1-month visits, with a modest improvement at 2 and 4 months. This project demonstrated an improvement in breastfeeding duration rates. It is anticipated that this practice-wide standard of care change will promote breastfeeding throughout the first 12 months of life.

The Story of “KINDNESS” From Rural Alaska: A Model for Comprehensive Infant Feeding Support

IntroductionBreastfeeding peer-counseling programs have been shown to be successful across a variety of settings. This program description of the Kodiak KINDNESS Project adds to the body of evidence.MethodKINDNESS offers a trusting relationship and individualized support on every aspect of infant nutrition to all families with infants living on Kodiak Island, Alaska.ResultsKINDNESS breastfeeding rates exceed the World Health Organization 2025 target of 50% exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months, demonstrating efficacy of a tailored, readily accessible, and comprehensive community program.ConclusionThe unique geographical isolation and culture of Kodiak Island has allowed collection of a robust database documenting feeding patterns of 90% of births since 2006. One family at a time, KINDNESS has effectively changed Kodiak's infant feeding culture and shown excellent results in breastfeeding duration rates.

Estimation of HTLV-1 vertical transmission cases in Brazil per annum.

BackgroundBrazil has at least 800,000 HTLV-1 infected individuals. HTLV-1 can be transmitted via sexual intercourse, contact with blood and from mother to child, mainly by breastfeeding. Treatments for the high morbidity/mortality associated diseases (ATL and HAM/TSP) are limited, therefore, infection prevention is of utmost importance. However, antenatal screening is not routinely performed in Brazil. A lack of data regarding the number of individuals infected via breastfeeding impairs the development of government policies. The objective is to estimate the number of HTLV-1 infections occurring annually due to mother to child transmission (MTCT) in Brazil, nationally and regionally.MethodologyTo estimate HTLV-1 MTCT in Brazil the following variables are modelled: number of births, prevalence of HTLV-1 infection in pregnant women, breastfeeding duration rate and transmission risk according to breastfeeding period. The number of cases of HAM/TSP and ATL attributable to MTCT are also estimated.Principal findingsIn 2008, there were 2,934,828 live births in Brazil. HTLV prevalence in pregnant women in Brazil ranges between 0.1–1.05% by region. An estimated 16,548 HTLV-1 infected women are pregnant each year. According to the breastfeeding pattern and HTLV-1 prevalence of each region there are an estimated 3,024 new cases of HTLV-1 infection due to MTCT annually of which 2,610 are preventable through infant feeding advice. These 3,024 transmissions will result in 120–604 cases of ATL and 8–272 of HAM/TSP. North-East region comprises the high number of MTCT cases, followed by South-East.Conclusions/significanceA high number of new HTLV-1 infections due to MTCT occur every year in Brazil. Antenatal screening and avoiding breastfeeding are essential to prevent subsequent development of HTLV-1-associated diseases.

'Why do we need a policy?' Administrators' perceptions on breast-feeding-friendly childcare.

Mothers' return to work and childcare providers' support for feeding expressed human milk are associated with breast-feeding duration rates in the USA, where most infants are regularly under non-parental care. The objective of the present study was to explore Florida-based childcare centre administrators' awareness and perceptions of the Florida Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare Initiative. Semi-structured interviews were based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and analysed using applied thematic analysis. Childcare centre administrators in Tampa Bay, FL, USA, interviewed in 2015.ParticipantsTwenty-eight childcare centre administrators: female (100 %) and Non-Hispanic White (61 %) with mean age of 50 years and 13 years of experience. Most administrators perceived potential implementation of the Florida Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare Initiative as simple and beneficial. Tension for change and a related construct (perceived consumer need for the initiative) were low, seemingly due to formula-feeding being normative. Perceived financial costs and relative priority varied. Some centres had facilitating structural characteristics, but none had formal breast-feeding policies. A cultural shift, facilitated by state and national breast-feeding-friendly childcare policies and regulations, may be important for increasing tension for change and thereby increasing access to breast-feeding-friendly childcare. Similar to efforts surrounding the rapid growth of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, national comprehensive evidence-based policies, regulations, metrics and technical assistance are needed to strengthen state-level breast-feeding-friendly childcare initiatives.

The Role of Early Maternal Support in Balancing Full-Time Work and Infant Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Qualitative Study.

Support of others is a key factor for mothers who choose to breastfeed their infants, including those who balance work outside the home and breastfeeding. However, little research has been done to understand how maternal support during the postpartum period impacts mothers' ability to later balance work and breastfeeding, in particular full-time work and exclusive breastfeeding. The results of this qualitative study indicate that the timing of support plays a key role in mothers' ability to successfully overcome barriers during the early postpartum period, thus building maternal self-efficacy in addressing problems encountered when they return to work. To understand the experience of low-income women who successfully balance full-time work and exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended 6 months, interviews were conducted with women who met study criteria for income level, work status, and exclusive breastfeeding. Breastfeeding peer counselors were also interviewed as key informants. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded for themes. The results of both sets of interviews were triangulated with a focused literature review to assure the soundness of the qualitative analysis. Timing of support included acute support, such as help establishing a successful latch needed during the first 2 weeks after delivery, to deal with breastfeeding problems that mothers perceived as being mentally and emotionally overwhelming and longer-term support needed to overcome problems perceived as being less intense. The research invites further exploration into the relationship between breastfeeding support provided by mothers' support system, including healthcare professionals, during the postpartum period and rates of breastfeeding duration and exclusivity.

Daily routines of breastfeeding mothers.

Increasing research suggests breastfeeding has many benfeits to mothers and children, yet breastfeeding duration rates remain well below Healthy People 2020 objectives. In order to increase breastfeeding rates, the complex role change in becoming a breastfeeding mother deserves closer examination. This pilot study sought to explore the daily routines and supports experienced by primiparous breastfeeding mothers with the objective of using this information to design interventions to promote breastfeeding duration. Surveys were conducted at 2-3, 6-8, and 10-12 weeks postpartum. Data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Eleven primiparous mothers. None of the eleven mothers interviewed at 2-3 week had a daily routine; 5 out of 9 mothers described a 'hint of a routine' at 6-8 weeks, and 6 out of 7 mothers described an 'emerging routine' at 10-12 weeks. Despite wanting more support and better preparation, most mothers succeeded with exclusive breastfeeding for the 12-week period. These findings were viewed through the lens of non-linear dynamics and transition theory. Implications for occupational therapy and occupational science were discussed.

A Clinic-Based Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Intervention in an Urban, Low-Income Population

Whereas breastfeeding initiation rates have risen in all groups throughout the country, rates of breastfeeding duration have changed more slowly. Peer counseling has had some success in sustaining breastfeeding, but with intensive programs and variable effects. We aimed to improve rates of any and exclusive breastfeeding at 1 and 6 months using a low-intensity peer counseling intervention beginning prenatally. We also planned to study the interaction of breastfeeding attitude and self-efficacy with the intervention. One hundred twenty prenatal women underwent stratified randomization based on breastfeeding attitude, measured by the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS). The peer counselor contacted the intervention group by telephone or in clinic up to 4 months postdelivery. Study groups were compared on breastfeeding outcomes, adjusting for IIFAS strata, and on interactions with self-efficacy. One hundred three women were followed to at least 1 month. Women with positive attitudes had significantly higher rates of initiation (93% vs 61%) and breastfeeding at 1 and 6 months (79% vs 25% and 12% vs 0%, respectively) than those with negative attitudes, regardless of intervention. After adjusting for self-efficacy, women who received peer counseling had significantly higher breastfeeding rates at 1 month (odds ratio = 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-9.8). The intervention group was marginally more likely to achieve their breastfeeding goal (43% vs 22%, P = .073). Breastfeeding rates in all women improved during the study period. Breastfeeding attitude was more strongly associated with breastfeeding behavior than peer support. Peer counseling supported women with low self-efficacy and helped women achieve their breastfeeding goals.

Breast-feeding intention, initiation and duration among Hong Kong Chinese women: A prospective longitudinal study

Objectivesto (1) estimate the breast-feeding intention, initiation and duration rate; (2) identify the reasons to initiate and wean breast feeding and (3) explore predictors of breast-feeding duration. Designa prospective longitudinal study Settingantenatal clinics of five regional hospitals from four clusters in Hong Kong Participantsa population-based sample of 2098 women in the second trimester of pregnancy was recruited with a systematic sampling method. Measurementsthree different sets of self-administered questionnaires were used to measure the breast-feeding intention, initiation and duration, demographic, socio-economic, obstetric, complications of pregnancy and intrapartum variables at three time points. Reasons for initiating and weaning breast feeding, the formal and informal supportive resources of participants during breast feeding were collated at the third time points. Findingsthe rates of artificial feeding and breast feeding were 41.1% and 58.9%, whereas breast-feeding intention and initiation rates were 85.3% and 67.0%, respectively. The breast-feeding duration rates were 11.1%, 10.3%, 10.7% and 26.7%, for the ‘within <1 week’, ‘1–3 weeks’, ‘>3–6 weeks’ and ‘>6 weeks’ groups. The common reasons for initiating breast feeding were that breast feeding is beneficial for both the baby (89.8%) and mother (39.7%). Reasons for weaning breast feeding were insufficient breast milk (32.7%), tiredness and fatigue (39.7%) and return to work (29.6%). Partner, relatives and nurse midwives were important supportive resource during breast feeding. Ordinal logistic regression analysis identified five predictive factors of breast-feeding duration. Participants who were working part-time or were housewives (p=0.037), had monthly family income of <HK$10,000 (p=0.034), more than one child (p=0.001), positive breast-feeding intention (p=0.001) and early breast feeding within the first hour (p<0.0001) were more likely to have longer breast feeding than their counterparts. Conclusionmothers in Hong Kong do not meet the recommendation of the international standards for breast feeding. Understanding of reasons for initiation, weaning and predictors of breast-feeding duration can help nurse midwives to develop and customise effective strategies to promote and encourage breast feeding. Implications for practicethe findings are important for a process-oriented breast-feeding training programme for nurse midwives. New strategies should be implemented for prolonging breast-feeding duration among perinatal women.

An All-Purpose Nipple Ointment Versus Lanolin in Treating Painful Damaged Nipples in Breastfeeding Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The negative outcomes associated with painful and damaged nipples have been widely documented in the breastfeeding literature. Numerous studies have been conducted evaluating topical preparations to treat nipple pain and damage with equivocal findings. No studies have evaluated the effectiveness of the increasingly popular all-purpose nipple ointment (APNO). The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the effect of the APNO versus lanolin on nipple pain among breastfeeding women with damaged nipples. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted in a large single-site, tertiary-care hospital in Toronto, ON, Canada. Breastfeeding women (n=151) identified as having damage to one or both nipples were randomized to apply either APNO (intervention group) or lanolin (control group) to their nipples according to the trial protocol. The primary outcome was nipple pain at 1 week after randomization measured using the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire. Additional outcomes at 1 week after randomization and 12 weeks postpartum included nipple yeast symptoms and/or mastitis, rates of breastfeeding duration and exclusivity, and maternal satisfaction with infant feeding method and treatment ointment. There were no significant group differences in mean pain scores at 1 week after randomization. Women in the lanolin group reported significantly greater satisfaction with their infant feeding method and had nonsignificantly higher breastfeeding duration and exclusivity rates at 12 weeks postpartum. Results suggest that APNO is not superior to lanolin in treating painful, damaged nipples.

Racial/Ethnic Differences in Breastfeeding Duration among WIC-Eligible Families

Purpose This research documented racial/ethnic differences in breastfeeding duration among mothers from seven diverse racial/ethnic groups in rural and urban areas of the United States that initiated breastfeeding among income and categorically eligible WIC participants. Methods Using data from the Longitudinal 9-Month–Preschool Restricted-Use data file of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Birth Cohort, this research first assessed racial/ethnic differences in breastfeeding initiation and duration, maternal and child health characteristics, social service usage, and sociodemographic characteristics. Next, breastfeeding survivorship and Cox proportional hazards models were estimated to assess potential racial/ethnic disparities in breastfeeding duration once these control variables were accounted for in multiple variable models. Findings Breastfeeding initiation rates and breastfeeding durations of 6 months were lower among WIC-eligible mothers compared with all mothers. WIC-eligible, foreign-born Mexican-Origin Hispanic (FBMOH) mothers were most likely to breastfeed for 6 months. Breastfeeding duration rates dropped quickly after 4 months of duration among WIC-eligible mothers that initiated. Two crossover patterns in breastfeeding durations were noted among 1) FBMOH and non-Hispanic Black mothers and 2) Asian and Native American mothers. A FBMOH breastfeeding duration advantage was noted compared with non-Hispanic White mothers once all control variables were included in the Cox proportional hazard models. No other racial/ethnic disparities in breastfeeding duration were noted. Conclusion More attention to educational programs and broad forms of support as part of WIC are needed to help reach the breastfeeding duration goals of Healthy People 2010 and continued support of the Loving Support Peer Counseling Program may serve as an ideal policy for local WIC offices.

A meta-ethnographic synthesis of women's experience of breastfeeding.

Despite considerable evidence and effort, breastfeeding duration rates in resource-rich countries such as Australia remain below World Health Organization recommendations. The literature on the experience of breastfeeding indicates that women construct and experience breastfeeding differently depending upon their own personal circumstances and the culture within which they live. Breastfeeding has also been described as a deeply personal experience, which can be associated with 'moral' decision-making. The aim of this synthesis was to better understand the social phenomenon of breastfeeding by making the hidden obvious. Using a meta-ethnographic approach, we analysed the findings from 17 qualitative studies exploring women's experience of breastfeeding. Commonly used metaphors, ideas and phrases across the national and international qualitative studies were identified. Two overarching themes emerged. Breastfeeding was described in terms of 'expectation' and 'reality', while the emotional aspects of breastfeeding were expressed in 'connected' or 'disconnected' terms. The prevalence of health professionals and public health discourses in the language women use to describe their experience, and the subsequent impact of this on maternal confidence and self-assessment of breastfeeding are discussed. This synthesis provides insight into some of the subtle ways health professionals can build maternal confidence and improve the experience of early mothering.

Exploring the Influence of Psychological Factors on Breastfeeding Duration, Phase 1: Perceptions of Mothers and Clinicians

Breastfeeding duration rates in Australia are low, prompting a search for modifiable factors capable of increasing the duration of breastfeeding. In this study, participants were asked which psychological factors they believed influence breastfeeding duration. Participants included 3 groups of mothers who had breastfed for varied lengths of time (n = 17), and 1 group of breastfeeding clinicians (n = 4). The nominal group technique was employed, involving a structured group meeting progressing through several steps. Analyses included collation of individual and group responses, group comparisons, and a thematic analysis of group discussions. Forty-five psychological factors thought to influence the duration of breastfeeding were identified. Factors considered most important included the mother's priorities and mothering self-efficacy, faith in breast milk, adaptability, stress, and breastfeeding self-efficacy. In addition to informing the design of phase 2 of this study, these results add to our knowledge of this emerging research area.

Session 1: Public health nutrition Breast-feeding practices in Ireland

Breast-feeding is the superior infant feeding method from birth, with research consistently demonstrating its numerous short- and long-term health benefits for both mother and infant. As a global recommendation the WHO advises that mothers should exclusively breast-feed for the first 6-months of life, thus delaying the introduction of solids during this time. Historically, Irish breast-feeding initiation rates have remained strikingly low in comparison with international data and there has been little improvement in breast-feeding duration rates. There is wide geographical variation in terms of breast-feeding initiation both internationally and in Ireland. Some of these differences in breast-feeding rates may be associated with differing socio-economic characteristics. A recent cross-sectional prospective study of 561 pregnant women attending a Dublin hospital and followed from the antenatal period to 6 months post partum has found that 47% of the Irish-national mothers initiated breast-feeding, while only 24% were still offering 'any' breast milk to their infants at 6 weeks. Mothers' positive antenatal feeding intention to breast-feed is indicated as one of the most important independent determinants of initiation and 'any' breast-feeding at 6 weeks, suggesting that the antenatal period should be targeted as an effective time to influence and affect mothers' attitudes and beliefs pertaining to breast-feeding. These results suggest that the 'cultural' barrier towards breast-feeding appears to still prevail in Ireland and consequently an environment that enables women to breast-feed is far from being achieved. Undoubtedly, a shift towards a more positive and accepting breast-feeding culture is required if national breast-feeding rates are to improve.

Hospital Practices that Increase Breastfeeding Duration: Results from a Population‐Based Study

A high percentage (83%) of mothers in Colorado initiate breastfeeding; but in keeping with national breastfeeding trends, many of them discontinue breastfeeding within the first few months. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of hospital practices on breastfeeding duration and whether the effects differed based on maternal socioeconomic status. Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data were used to calculate breastfeeding duration rates for all Colorado mothers in 2002 to 2003. Breastfeeding duration rates were determined for recipients of each of nine hospital practices included in the survey compared with rates for nonrecipients. Practices that significantly increased breastfeeding duration rates were combined and then stratified by socioeconomic status. Breastfeeding duration was significantly improved when mothers experienced all five specific hospital practices: breastfeeding within the first hour, breastmilk only, infant rooming-in, no pacifier use, and receipt of a telephone number for use after discharge. Two-thirds (68%; 95% CI: 61-75) of mothers who experienced all five successful practices were still breastfeeding at 16 weeks compared with one-half (53%; 95% CI: 49-56) of those who did not. Breastfeeding duration was improved independent of maternal socioeconomic status. Only one in five mothers (18.7%) experienced all five supportive hospital practices. Mothers who experienced the five supportive hospital practices were significantly less likely to stop breastfeeding due to any of the top reasons given for stopping (p < 0.001). Implementation of the five hospital practices supportive of breastfeeding significantly increased breastfeeding duration rates regardless of maternal socioeconomic status.

Breastfeeding Duration Rates and Factors Affecting Continued Breastfeeding Among Infants Born at an Inner-City US Baby-Friendly Hospital

The effects of Baby-Friendly status on breastfeeding duration in the United States have not been published. The objectives of this study were to obtain breastfeeding rates at 6 months among babies born in a US Baby-Friendly hospital and to assess factors associated with continued breastfeeding at 6 months. The authors randomly selected 350 medical records of infants born in 2003 at Baby-Friendly Boston Medical Center. Of 336 eligible infants, 248 (74%) attended the 6-month well-child visit and 37.1% (92/248) were breastfeeding at 6 months. In multivariate logistic regression, the likelihood of breastfeeding at 6 months was decreased by presence of a feeding problem in the hospital (AOR 0.27; 95% CI 0.07-0.99), whereas the likelihood of breastfeeding at 6 months increased with maternal age (AOR 1.05; 95% CI 1.00-1.10) and for mothers born in Africa (AOR 4.29; 95% CI 1.36-13.5) or of unrecorded birthplace (AOR 3.29; 95% CI 1.38-7.85). Breastfeeding duration is traditionally poor in low-income, black populations in the United States. Among a predominantly low-income and black population giving birth at a US Baby-Friendly hospital, breastfeeding rates at 6 months were comparable to the overall US population.