CONTEXT: Despite the biological and social importance of prolonged breastfeeding, the individual lactating mother often falls short of her personal goal. This study was designed to increase the understanding of obstacles to breastfeeding, determine predictors of early weaning and supplementation, and identify areas for future research. METHODS: In the Southern Tier of New York, 203 women who gave birth in one of four participating hospitals were contacted by phone at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postpartum . During the interviews, the investigator collected background information and checked whether the mother was breastfeeding and/or using supplements. RESULTS: Intention to return to work within the first postpartum year and a full time work schedule were found to be predictors of early weaning and supplementation (p<0.005). Women covered by Medicaid breastfed with shorter duration (p<0.0001), although this association seems to be related to work schedules. The use of anesthesia during labor and delivery was inversely associated with overall and exclusive duration (p<0.0001). Mothers who felt that their infant was gaining too much or too little weight breastfed, on average, with significantly shorter overall and exclusive duration. Formal maternal education was associated with increased overall and exclusive duration. The reasons reported for changing infant feeding behavior varied by infant age. CONCLUSIONS: Work factors, age, use of anesthesia, maternal education, and maternal perception of infant weight may predict early weaning and supplementation among new mothers in the Southern Tier of New York. Evaluation of new interventions that address delivery variables, new mother education, and time scheduling is warranted
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participants will be able to : 1. Identify new mothers at risk for early weaning and supplementation 2. Apply knowledge gained to the creation of new breast-feeding promotion programs/interventions 3. Recognize gaps in the breast-feeding literature and prioritize future research agenda.
Keywords: Breast Feeding, Child Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.