Outcomes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2018 Breastfeeding Report Card: Public Policy
Joel L Bass1, Tina Gartley1, Ronald Kleinman2
1Department of Pediatrics, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, MA.
Insights
High rates of in-hospital breastfeeding initiation positively impact long-term breastfeeding success. However, Baby-Friendly hospital designation did not show a similar association in this study on breastfeeding outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Breastfeeding is crucial for infant and maternal health, with established public health goals for increased rates.
- Understanding factors influencing breastfeeding duration and exclusivity is essential for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the impact of Baby-Friendly hospital designation versus in-hospital breastfeeding initiation rates on breastfeeding outcomes at 3, 6, and 12 months post-discharge.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 2018 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Breastfeeding Report Card data for the 2015 birth cohort.
- Employed linear regression models to assess associations between breastfeeding initiation, Baby-Friendly hospital designation, and post-discharge breastfeeding rates.
- Included all hospital births from all 50 states, 3 territories, and the District of Columbia.
Main Results:
- Statewide breastfeeding initiation rates demonstrated a positive association with targeted breastfeeding outcomes.
- No similar positive associations were found for the penetrance of Baby-Friendly hospital designation.
Conclusions:
- Public policy initiatives aiming to achieve Healthy People 2020 breastfeeding objectives should consider the interplay of demographics, hospital programs, and public health strategies.
- States with high breastfeeding initiation rates may benefit from tailored support strategies.
Objectives:
To compare the impact of Baby-Friendly designation vs rates of in-hospital breastfeeding initiation on breastfeeding outcomes at 3, 6, and 12 months postdischarge.
Study Design:
Breastfeeding outcome data from the 2018 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Breastfeeding Report Card were used as a basis for determining outcomes from the corresponding 2015 birth cohort. Linear regression models were used to determine the strength of association of breastfeeding initiation and Baby-Friendly hospital penetrance and attainment of postdischarge breastfeeding rates. All hospital births from all 50 states, 3 territories, and the District of Columbia were included in the study.
Results:
Statewide breastfeeding initiation rates were positively associated with targeted breastfeeding outcomes. Similar associations were not found for Baby-Friendly hospital designation penetrance.
Conclusions:
To attain the Healthy People 2020 breastfeeding objectives, future public policy initiatives should consider the interaction of population demographics, individual hospital programs, and public health strategies used to support breastfeeding in states reporting high breastfeeding initiation rates.
