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Breastfeeding rates among singletons, twins and triplets in Japan: A population-based study

Yoshie Yokoyama1, Saeko Wada, Masako Sugimoto

  • 1Faculty of Health Sciences, Okayama University Medical School, Okayama City, Japan. yyoko@md.okayama-u.ac.jp

Twin Research and Human Genetics : the Official Journal of the International Society for Twin Studies
|April 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding rates are significantly lower for twins and triplets compared to singletons in Japan. Poor infant sucking ability also increases the likelihood of bottle-feeding.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Maternal and Child Health

Background:

  • Breastfeeding is crucial for infant health and development.
  • Understanding feeding practices in Japan is important for public health initiatives.
  • Previous research has not extensively compared breastfeeding rates across different birth multiplicities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine breastfeeding rates among singletons, twins, and triplets in Japan.
  • To identify factors influencing breastfeeding versus bottle-feeding decisions.
  • To analyze the impact of birth multiplicity on infant feeding choices.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of a large infant medical check-up database (n=15,262) in Nishinomiya City, Japan (2001-2004).
  • Categorization of feeding methods: exclusive breastfeeding, mixed-feeding, and formula-only bottle-feeding.
  • Statistical analysis using odds ratios to identify factors associated with feeding choices.

Main Results:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding rates were substantially lower for twins/triplets (4.1%) compared to singletons (44.7%).
  • Mothers of twins or triplets were 2.44 times more likely to choose formula-only bottle-feeding.
  • Infants with poor sucking ability at birth were 1.56 times more likely to be bottle-fed.

Conclusions:

  • Birth multiplicity (twins/triplets) is a significant factor associated with lower breastfeeding rates in Japan.
  • Infant sucking ability is another key determinant influencing the choice between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.
  • Targeted support may be needed for mothers of multiples and infants with poor sucking ability to promote breastfeeding.

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