Women's birth experience, studied in two time periods, had negligible impact on their persistence in breast-feeding, nor did early postpartum experience, type of feeding regimen, or timing of solid food introduction emerge as significant correlates. Women's prenatal intentions were the strongest predictor of breast-feeding success in the first month, and the mother's own history of having been breast-fed as an infant appears to be a predisposing factor. The influence of socioeconomic factors and childbirth preparation classes are examined.
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