Increase Breastfeeding Duration Research Articles

Breastfeeding Support in Better Start Bradford

Support for breastfeeding has traditionally been offered by midwives and health visitors in statutory services, and volunteers in third sector organisations. A model that meets service requirements and is also acceptable for mothers and babies has evaded implementation. This article describes an innovative project created to support an increase in breastfeeding duration based on partnership working and utilising trained Breastfeeding Support Workers.

The Pent-Up Demand for Breastfeeding Among US Women: Trends After COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place.

Objectives. To estimate changes in national breastfeeding trends immediately before and after COVID-19‒related workplace closures in early 2020. Methods. The implementation of shelter-in-place policies in early 2020, when 90% of people in the United States were urged to remain at home, represents a unique natural experiment to assess the pent-up demand for breastfeeding among US women that may be stymied by the lack of a national paid leave policy. We used the 2017-2020 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (n = 118 139) to estimate changes in breastfeeding practices for births occurring before and after shelter-in-place policies were implemented in the United States. We did this in the overall sample and by racial/ethnic and income subgroups. Results. There was no change in breastfeeding initiation and a 17.5% increase in breastfeeding duration after shelter-in-place, with lingering effects through late 2020. High-income and White women demonstrated the largest gains. Conclusions. The United States ranks worse than similar countries when it comes to breastfeeding initiation and duration. This study suggests that this is partly attributable to inadequate access to postpartum paid leave. This study also demonstrates inequities introduced by patterns of remote work during the pandemic. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(8):870-873. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307313).

Breastfeeding is associated with the intelligence of school-age children in Mexico.

Breastfeeding has been consistently associated with higher intelligence since childhood. However, this relation could be confounded due to maternal selection bias. We estimated the association between predominant breastfeeding and intelligence in school-age children considering potential selection bias and we simulated the intelligence gap reduction between low versus higher socioeconomic status children by increasing breastfeeding. We analysed predominant breastfeeding practices (breastmilk and water-based liquids) of children 0-3 years included in the Mexican Family Life Survey (MxFLS-1). Intelligence was estimated as the z-score of the abbreviated Raven score, measured at 6-12 years in the MxFLS-2 or MxFLS-3. We predicted breastfeeding duration among children with censored data with a Poisson model. We used the Heckman selection model to assess the association between breastfeeding and intelligence, correcting for selection bias and stratified by socioeconomic status. Results show after controlling for selection bias, a 1-month increase in predominant breastfeeding duration was associated with a 0.02 SD increase in the Raven z-score (p < 0.05). The children who were predominantly breastfed for 4-6 months versus <1 month had 0.16 SD higher Raven z-score (p < 0.05). No associations were found using multiple linear regression models. Among low socioeconomic status children, increasing predominantly breastfeeding duration to 6 months would increase their mean Raven z-score from -0.14 to -0.07 SD and reduce by 12.5% the intelligence gap with high socioeconomic status children. In conclusion, predominant breastfeeding duration was significantly associated with childhood intelligence after controlling for maternal selection bias. Increased breastfeeding duration may reduce poverty-driven intelligence inequities.

NON - PARAMETRIC MULTIPLE INPUTS PREDICTION MODEL FOR QUANTITY OF INFANT-FORMULA DEMANDED FOR CHILDREN AGED 0 - 24 MONTHS IN ILORIN-SOUTH, NIGERIA

Infant-formula is recommended by the World Health Organisation as the safest form of complementary food to human breast milk. Breastfeeding duration and other imperative input-factors that govern quantity of infant-formula demanded (a modulus variable) is difficult to model and predict with high precision. However, infants based on their conventional rights have to be given good nutrition. This study is necessitated by the challenging process of complex modulus prediction of quantity of infant-formula demanded to complement human breast milk, which may be attributed to differences in maternal characteristics at various maternal geographical settlement areas. Owning to complex nature of the differences, we propose a data-driven approach for handling larger-scale scenarios which may be limited in the conventional parametric modelling methods. This study aims at investigating the association of maternal characteristics with quantity of infant -formula demanded among breastfeeding mothers who have children aged 0 – 24 months in Ilorin-South Local Government Area, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 744 breastfeeding mothers. We adopted appropriate non-parametric tests to determine the impact of different independent groups of maternal covariate factors considered on quantity of infant -formula demanded. Multi-associations were assessed and negative binomial model was formulated to predict estimated quantity of infant-formula demanded for various breastfeeding durations. The results show that increase in breastfeeding duration leads to increase in quantity of infant-formula demanded. In future intervention studies, factors that have significant effect on demand for infant-formula might be considered for proper monitoring of infant feeding.

A Quantitative Assessment on Perceived Physiological Comfort of Clothing during Lactation

Background: Physiological comfort refers to sensorial comfort including temperature, fit and fabric weight. Because pregnant and lactating women undergo various physiological changes, it is important to identify optimal comfort features regarding clothing. This will promote and increase breastfeeding duration. The purpose of this research is to compare physiological comfort of two types of clothing. They include designed clothing (DC) ,such as side flaps to access breasts and a strap which gets unhooked ), and conventional clothing(CC), like center front button closure, center front zipper, knitted V-neck shirt, and a t-shirt.&#x0D; Methods: This was a quantitative research study conducted to examine perceived physiological comfort of clothing during lactation (IRB# 1-1056432-1). Data were collected from 217 lactating women who were on lactated related social media sites (e.g., BabyCenter blog). A validated and reliable survey was developed by interviewers. It was a series of questions including demographic ones and assessed seven physiological features. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequencies (number and percent), and, a sample t-test. &#x0D; Results: After comparing DC with CC, authors found that DC provided greater physiological comfort. Statistically significant differences (p≤ .05) were found between garment coverage in reference to temperature (i.e. warmth) and satisfaction with the length of the garment.&#x0D; Conclusions: The results have practical implications for a variety of professions including apparel designers and lactation health care providers. Currently, there is little to no research which investigated physiological comfort of outerwear clothing for lactating mothers.&#x0D;

Breastfeeding duration is associated with higher adiposity at 6-8 months of age.

Breastfeeding (BF) has been identified as a protective factor against childhood obesity. However, evidence ofthe association between BF duration and adiposity remains inconclusive. Few studies have been conducted among Southeast Asian infants that have measured body composition during infancy using the gold standard stable isotope method. This study aimed to evaluate the association between BF duration and body composition during infancy. Healthy full-term Thai infants aged 6-8 months (n = 60) receiving exclusive or predominant BF for at least 3 months were recruited. Skinfold thickness (SFT) was measured by well-trained investigators. Body composition was assessed by the deuterium dilution technique. Infants with longer BF duration (>6 months; mean 7.5 ± 0.5 months, n = 29) had a higher subscapular SFT z-score than those with shorter BF duration (≤6 months; mean 5.3± 0.9 months, n = 31) by 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01-0.94). After adjustment for age and sex, BF duration and age at introduction of complementary feeding (CF) were positively associated with fat mass and fat mass index at 6-8 months. One month increase in BF duration and CF age was associated with a 0.37 (95% CI: 0.05, 0.69) kg/m2 and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.18, 1.34) kg/m2 increase in the fat mass index, respectively. After adjusting for infant body mass index (BMI) during the earlier infancy period, the strength of the association was attenuated. This finding may reflect reverse causality where infants with lower BMI received formula or CF earlier. A longitudinal study with follow-up into childhood is warranted to confirm the effects of BF on adiposity in infancy and childhood.

Factors associated with postpartum contraception in Togo, West Africa.

The health benefits of postpartum contraception are well established. Using 2013/14 Togo Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data, we examine the association between contraceptive use among women who gave birth within 24 months of the DHS and four health service use indicators - antenatal care, institutional delivery, postpartum care, and immunization of the last child - in addition to socio-demographic factors. Factors associated with postpartum contraceptive use in Togo included having their last birth in a health facility, having a postnatal check within two months of birth, youngest child receiving the first diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, wanting to space children more than two years from last birth or not have more children, living outside the Savanes region, husband's desire for number of children agreeing with the woman's, and increasing breastfeeding duration. These findings highlight the need for programming which strengthens the integration of contraception into reproductive and immunization services in Togo.

Predicting intention and maintenance of breastfeeding up to 2-years after birth in primiparous and multiparous women

Objectives Breastfeeding up to 2-years has been associated with short and long-term health benefits for both newborns and mothers. However, few women breastfeed up to 2-years after birth. This study extends previous research on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) examining the predictors of intention and maintenance of breastfeeding up to 2-years in both primiparous and multiparous women. Design 155 pregnant women participated in this longitudinal study. Methods Expectant mothers completed a questionnaire and then 2-years after the child’s birth were asked to report breastfeeding behaviour. Interactions among parity and TPB constructs were examined. Results Attitudes, descriptive and injunctive norms, and perceived behavioural control (PBC) explained 58% of the variance in mothers’ intention to breastfeed. Attitudes were the strongest predictor, followed by PBC, descriptive norms and parity. A significant interaction was found between parity and PBC, showing that PBC was only a significant predictor of intention to breastfeed at 2-years in multiparous women. Intentions predicted breastfeeding behaviour at 2-years. Conclusion Promoting intentions may be a useful way to increase breastfeeding duration to 2-years and targeting attitudes and norms may be one way to increase intentions. Further, targeting PBC may also be useful to increase intentions, but only in multiparous women.

Team-Based Breastfeeding Support at a Federally Qualified Health Center: Efficacy, Utilization, and Patient Satisfaction.

Background: A team-based, integrated lactation consultant (LC) and primary care provider (PCP) program improves breastfeeding rates in some outpatient settings, but only a limited number of studies have assessed efficacy in socioeconomically and racially diverse communities. Objectives: Following implementation of team-based LC/PCP care at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), quality improvement efforts assessed utilization, breastfeeding rates, and patient satisfaction. Method: A retrospective chart review examined feeding status pre- and postimplementation. Analysis compared feeding rates at the 2-week, 2-month, 4-month, and 6-month well visits (well child care). Subanalysis of patients who initiated breastfeeding postimplementation examined feeding status and LC support. Patient survey evaluated satisfaction. Results: Among patients who initiated breastfeeding, those who received a LC/PCP visit were significantly more likely to be breastfeeding at 2 weeks (94% versus 80%, p = 0.004) and 4 months (68% versus 45%, p = 0.01). However, breastfeeding rates for the whole practice were not significantly different before and after implementation. Seventy-two percent of breastfeeding families saw a LC (n = 204). Median LC visit per breastfeeding patient was 1.18 (standard deviation [SD] +1.2). Patient survey reported that the three most commonly helpful aspects of the visit were "latch instruction" (60%), "breastfeeding questions answered" (80%) and "learning about massage and hand expression" (50%). Discussion: Team-based LC/PCP care is feasible at a FQHC. Patients found it helpful. Among families who initiated breastfeeding, receiving LC/PCP care was associated with increased breastfeeding duration through 4 months.

Evaluation of a Mobile-based Maternal Feeding Education Program for Overweight Prevention in Infants

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a mobile-based maternal feeding education program for overweight prevention in infants based on breastfeeding attitude, breastfeeding self-efficacy, breastfeeding duration, recognition of hunger and satiety cues of infants, and knowledge regarding providing solids foods. A nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used for the study. Participants included 15 primiparas in the experimental group and 14 primiparas in the control group in all the follow-up tests. Using self-reported questionnaires in electronic format, data were collected four times (before the intervention, 1month after childbirth, 3months after childbirth, and 6months after childbirth). Using SPSS 24 version, independent t-test and repeated-measures analysis of variance were used to test the effects of the mobile-based maternal feeding education program. The experimental group showed significantly more positive breastfeeding attitude (F=5.28, p=.008), higher breastfeeding self-efficacy (F=3.50, p=.041), and increased breastfeeding duration (t=-2.09, p=.046) than the control group. In addition, the experimental group showed significantly improved knowledge regarding providing solid foods to the infants (F=4.86, p=.009) in comparison with the control group. However, for education on recognizing hunger and satiety cues of infants, the mobile-based maternal feeding education program was not effective (F=0.23, p=.878). According to the results of this study, the mobile-based maternal feeding education program has the potential to contribute to overweight prevention in infants.

Impact of maternal dietary counseling in the first year of life on DNA methylation in a cohort of children.

Epigenetic modifications established during prenatal and early life, including DNA methylation, have been suggested as potential mediators of the interaction between environmental exposures during the perinatal period and adult metabolic health adverse outcomes, especially cardiometabolic complications and overweight. The effect of a dietary intervention in the first year of life on global methylation levels in leukocyte samples from a cohort of children born between 2001 and 2002 in southern Brazil was examined. Overall methylation measurements were performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays on DNA samples from 237 children at 4 years old. Mean methylation values were higher in the intervention group (mean: 2.20 ± 1.31%) than in the control group (mean: 1.65 ± 1.11%; P = 0.001). It was observed that nutritional counseling in the first year increased breastfeeding duration and stimulated the development of healthier eating habits. Therefore, these factors might have contributed to increase global DNA methylation. The findings of the present study reinforce the notion that performing nutritional interventions in the early stages of life is important and provide further evidence of the interaction between the environment and epigenetic traits.

Evaluation of the association between mammographic density and the risk of breast cancer using Quantra software and the BI-RADS classification.

To determine the association between mammographic density (MD) and the risk of breast cancer (BC) in Chinese women and to investigate the role of fertility risk factors in regulating the relationship between MD and BC.We used Quantra software and the BI-RADS classification to assess MD in 466 patients and 932 controls. Conditional matched logistic multiple regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between MD and BC, and risk was evaluated with the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).The ORs for category 4 versus category 2 were 1.95 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] (1.42∼2.66)) and 1.76 (95% CI (1.28∼2.42)) for the BI-RADS and Quantra classifications, respectively. The ORs for category 5 volumetric breast density (VBD) versus category 2 VBD and 5 fibroglandular tissue volume (FGV) versus category 2 FGV were 1.63 (95% CI (1.20∼2.23)) and 1.92 (95% CI (1.40∼2.63)), respectively. Females with category 5 VBD whose age at menarche was ≤13 years had the highest risk of BC (OR = 2.16, 95% CI (1.24∼3.79)), and females with category 5 FGV whose age at menarche was = 15 years had the lowest risk of BC (OR = 1.65, 95% CI (1.05∼2.62)). Females with categories 3–5 VBD and categories 3–5 FGV had reduced risks of BC with increasing number of births. Females with category 5 VBD had an increased risk of BC with increasing age at first childbirth (the OR increased from 1.49 to 1.95). Those with category 5 VBD had a reduced risk of BC with increasing breastfeeding duration (the OR decreased from 2.08 to 1.55). Females with category 5 FGV had a reduced risk of BC with increasing breastfeeding duration (the OR decreased from 4.12 to 1.62).Both the BI-RADS density classification and Quantra measures indicated that MD is positively associated with the risk of BC in Chinese women and that associations between MD and BC risk differ by age at menarche, parity, age at first childbirth and breastfeeding duration.

Latch-related nipple pain in breastfeeding women: the impact on breastfeeding outcomes

Background Nipple pain is a common issue experienced by breastfeeding mothers and if not resolved, can contribute to early cessation of breastfeeding. Aims To investigate mothers experiences of nipple pain, the solutions used to manage their issues, and the perceived impact on breastfeeding outcomes with particular focus on latch-related nipple pain with no clear underlying cause (LRNP). Methods Data was collected via an online survey of UK-based women (n=1084). Findings LRNP was the most common issue as experienced by 52% of mothers surveyed. Various solutions were utilised to try to manage LRNP. Use of Highly Purified Anhydrous (HPA) Lanolin to manage LRNP was associated with a substantial increase in breastfeeding duration (average 33.2 weeks compared to 26.5 weeks for those who didn't report using HPA Lanolin). Discussion HPA Lanolin is a key solution used by mothers in the management of latch-related nipple pain and one which they perceive as having a significant positive effect on the physical symptoms and pain associated with nipple trauma. Use of HPA Lanolin was also associated with a substantial increase in breastfeeding duration which ultimately aids women in meeting their personal breastfeeding goals and improves overall breastfeeding rates.

Validation of Association Between Breastfeeding Duration, Facial profile, Occlusion of Children in Chennai Population:-A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Malocclusion is not a disease and is considered as a developmental disorder of the craniofacial complex.It may cause functional and esthetic disturbances in affected individuals.Environmental factors like dietary habits,nonnutritive sucking habits, bottlefeeding, and reduced duration of breastfeeding have often been implicated with various developmental disorders1. The .increased breastfeeding duration in preventing the development of malocclusion,and establishing a correct occlusal relationship by stimulating the facial muscles during suckling have a great importance. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the relationships among breastfeeding duration,nonnutritive sucking habits,convex facial profile,nonspaced dentition,and distoclusion in the deciduous dentition. Materials and methods: A sample of 250 children aged 4 to 6 years from south Indian population was clinically examined. Information about breastfeeding duration and nonnutritive sucking habits was obtained from the parents and data was compiled. Results: From this study it was found that a statistically significant association was observed between breastfeeding duration and nonnutritive sucking habits. Nonnutritive sucking habits had a statistically significant association with distoclusion and convex facial profile. But the occurrence of convex facial profile and distoclusion was not associated with breastfeeding duration. Conclusion: Thus this study hypothesize that nonnutritive sucking habits may act as a dominant variable in the relationship between breastfeeding duration and occurrence of convex facial profile and distoclusion in deciduous dentition.

The significance of early breastfeeding experiences on breastfeeding self-efficacy one week postpartum.

Many new mothers do not reach their breastfeeding goals. Breastfeeding self‐efficacy is a modifiable determinant influenced by prior and new breastfeeding experiences. More knowledge about factors associated with early breastfeeding experiences and breastfeeding self‐efficacy would allow us to qualify breastfeeding counselling and increase breastfeeding duration. This study aimed to identify prevalence and factors associated with early negative breastfeeding experience, low breastfeeding self‐efficacy in the first week postpartum, and drop in self‐efficacy from late pregnancy to early postpartum period. A prospective longitudinal study was performed in Denmark from 2013 to 2014, including 2, 804 mothers.Results showed that 1 week postpartum almost 10% of mothers had negative breastfeeding experiences, 36% had low breastfeeding self‐efficacy, and 26% drop in self‐efficacy from pregnancy. Negative breastfeeding experiences were significantly associated with epidural analgesia, interrupted skin‐to‐skin contact immediately postpartum, short previous breastfeeding duration, and lacking social support. Low breastfeeding self‐efficacy was associated with low breastfeeding intention, short previous breastfeeding duration, and negative breastfeeding experiences in the first week postpartum. Finally, significant associations of drop in breastfeeding self‐efficacy from late pregnancy were no or short education, early negative breastfeeding experiences, prior short breastfeeding duration, and low general breastfeeding self‐efficacy in pregnancy. Negative breastfeeding experiences in the first week postpartum is crucial for maternal breastfeeding self‐efficacy 1 week following birth. It is important to identify and support mothers at risk of negative breastfeeding experiences in the first week following birth and address factors that might increase the probability of early successful breastfeeding experiences.

Exploring outcomes of public health nurse-facilitated breastfeeding support groups

Breastfeeding groups have been identified in national and international policy as an important support mechanism for increasing breastfeeding duration. The aim of this study was to estimate the value of public health nurse- (PHN) facilitated breastfeeding group support. The study was informed by methodology used to calculate a social return on investment (SROI). Data were collected from primary and secondary stakeholders using focus group, joint and individual interviews. Mothers reported improved mental health and increased duration of breastfeeding, and PHNs reported being more knowledgeable about breastfeeding, being able to offer a better service and experiencing higher job satisfaction. PHNs who did not facilitate groups but whose clients attended reported reduced workload and improvements in access to information. Family and friends reported more positive attitudes to breastfeeding. PHN-facilitated breastfeeding groups have benefits for mothers, PHNs and for society; therefore, a more systematised and geographically equitable approach to their implementation in Ireland should be promoted.

Effectiveness of a brief motivational intervention to increase the breastfeeding duration in the first 6 months postpartum: Randomized controlled trial.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a brief motivational intervention to increase the breastfeeding duration in the first 6months postpartum in mothers who began breastfeeding in the first hour after birth and to explore the role of general and breastfeeding self-efficacy in this relationship. A multi-centre randomized controlled clinical trial. Data were collected from February 2018 - March 2019. Women were randomly assigned to an intervention group that received a brief motivational intervention (N=44) or a control group that was offered standard education on breastfeeding (N=44). Survival analysis techniques were carried out with a follow-up of 6months. In addition, the roles of breastfeeding and general self-efficacy in the association between BMI and breastfeeding duration were explored through mediation/moderation analysis. Among 88 randomized patients (mean age, 32.82years), 81 (92.04%) completed the trial. The survival analyses of exclusive breastfeeding and breastfeeding (exclusive and non-exclusive) showed reductions in the risk of abandonment in the intervention group of 63% (aHR: 0.37 [0.22-0.60] p<.001) and 61% (aHR: 0.39 [0.20-0.78] p=.008), respectively. We found that self-efficacy acted as a moderator of the effect of brief motivational intervention on breastfeeding self-efficacy. A discrete indirect effect of brief motivational intervention through increased breastfeeding self-efficacy was found on breastfeeding duration, with an index of moderated mediation of 0.08 (95% CI: 0.02-0.19). Greater positive variations in the breastfeeding self-efficacy scores during follow-up predicted exclusive and non-exclusive breastfeeding duration. A brief motivational intervention conducted in the immediate postpartum period increases breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding duration in the first 6months. Although breastfeeding self-efficacy seems to moderate the effect of brief motivational intervention on the increase in breastfeeding duration, other factors may influence its effectiveness. Further studies could focus on exploring how brief motivational intervention works and whether it also works for pregnant mothers who have not yet decided whether to breastfeed. Brief motivational intervention could be introduced as part of routine care of women who begin breastfeeding to improve the low rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 6months postpartum. Unique Protocol ID: Moti003; https://ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03357549.

The Effect of Paid Parental Leave on Breastfeeding, Parental Health and Behavior

Little is known about the effects of paid parental leave (in particular fathers' quotas) on parental health and involvement. In this paper, we exploit a reform that took place in the Canadian province of Quebec to address that important topic. In 2006, Quebec opted out of the federal plan and established its own parental insurance plan, named the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP). This program has lowered the eligibility criteria, increased income replacement and introduced fathers' quotas. Using three data sets, we investigate the impact of the QPIP on breastfeeding and parental health and behavior. Our results show that the reform increased breastfeeding duration and parental involvement. Results also suggest that the policy had limited positive effects on parental health.

Association of Breastfeeding Duration with Susceptibility to Allergy, Influenza, and Methylation Status of TLR1 Gene.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the possible association between exclusive breastfeeding duration during early infancy and susceptibility to allergy and influenza in adulthood. Furthermore, we also investigated the association of breastfeeding duration with DNA methylation at two sites in the promoter of the toll-like receptor-1 (TLR1) gene, as well as the association between DNA methylation of the toll-like receptor-1 (TLR1) gene and susceptibility to different diseases. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 100 adults and classified into two groups according to breastfeeding duration (<6 months and ≥6 months) during infancy. Subjects were asked to complete a questionnaire on their susceptibilities to different diseases and sign a consent form separately. Fifty-three samples underwent DNA extraction, and the DNA samples were divided into two aliquots, one of which was treated with bisulfite reagent. The promoter region of the TLR1 gene was then amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. Results: We found a significant association between increased breastfeeding duration and a reduction in susceptibility to influenza and allergy, as well asa significant reduction in DNA methylation within the promoter of the TLR1 gene. No association was found between DNA methylation and susceptibility to different diseases. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate the significance of increased breastfeeding duration for improved health outcomes at the gene level.

Extended Maternity Leave and Breastfeeding in Active Duty Mothers.

In 2016, the Department of Defense extended maternity leave from 6 to 12 weeks for active duty mothers to support breastfeeding initiation and duration. Limited data exist regarding the impact of prolonged maternity leave. Our objective was to evaluate the prolongation of maternity leave on the initiation and duration of breastfeeding in active duty mothers. In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we used data collected from Department of Defense electronic health care records of infants born to active duty mothers who were delivered during calendar years 2014 and 2016. The primary outcomes were initiation and duration of breastfeeding and breastfeeding exclusivity evaluated throughout the first year of life. Secondary outcomes were differences in breastfeeding rates between military-branch affiliation and military rank. No changes in breastfeeding initiation occurred between the 2 cohorts (n = 423 and 434). However, an increase in breastfeeding establishment was identified at the 2- (81.5% vs 72.4%; P = .002), 4- (70.5% vs 56.7%; P < .001), 6- (60.3% vs 46.5%; P < .001), and 9-month (45.4% vs 34.9%; P = .003) visits in the 12-week leave cohort. Exclusive breastfeeding increased at 2 (56.4% vs 47.2%; P = .007), 4 (47.5% vs 36.4%; P = .001), and 6 (37.3% vs 29.3%; P = .016) months. Increases in maternity leave correlated with increased breastfeeding duration and exclusivity through 9 months for active duty mothers. These data support the benefit of extended maternity leave in the military and the need for future studies to validate findings at other military treatment facilities.