Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
19:15
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Maternal cigarette smoking and breastfeeding duration
Roslyn Giglia1, Colin W Binns, Helman Alfonso
1School of Public Health, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, WA, Australia. r.giglia@exchange.curtin.edu.au
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|October 26, 2006
Summary
Women who smoked during pregnancy breastfed for a significantly shorter duration (11 weeks) compared to non-smokers (28 weeks). This highlights the negative impact of smoking on breastfeeding success and public health targets.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Breastfeeding is crucial for infant health and achieving public health targets.
- Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a significant public health concern.
- The impact of maternal smoking on breastfeeding duration requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cigarette smoking during pregnancy and breastfeeding duration.
- To compare breastfeeding prevalence and duration in smoking versus non-smoking mothers.
- To identify the influence of smoking on achieving recommended breastfeeding milestones.
Main Methods:
- A 12-month longitudinal study was conducted in two public maternity hospitals.
- Participants included mothers of healthy newborns, completing a baseline questionnaire.
- Follow-up interviews were conducted postpartum up to 52 weeks to determine breastfeeding duration.
Main Results:
- Women smoking during pregnancy exhibited lower breastfeeding prevalence and shorter duration (11 weeks) compared to non-smokers (28 weeks).
- This association persisted after adjusting for key demographic and socioeconomic factors.
- The risk ratio for shorter breastfeeding duration in smokers was 1.59 (95% CI 1.22-2.08).
Conclusions:
- Maternal smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of not meeting national and international breastfeeding targets.
- Antenatal smoking cessation interventions represent a significant opportunity for public health improvement.
- Supporting pregnant smokers to quit can enhance breastfeeding outcomes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
01:23Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
01:25Statistical Methods for Analyzing Epidemiological Data
Epidemiological data primarily involves information on specific populations' occurrence, distribution, and determinants of health and diseases. This data is crucial for understanding disease patterns and impacts, aiding public health decision-making and disease prevention strategies. The analysis of epidemiological data employs various statistical methods to interpret health-related data effectively. Here are some commonly used methods:
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...