Maternal chronic disease and breastfeeding outcomes: a Canadian population-based study

The prevalence of chronic disease in pregnant women has consistently risen over the past two decades. Substantial evidence demonstrates that maternal chronic disease is associated with adverse medical outcomes like preterm birth, but less research has characterized postpartum outcomes such as infant feeding practices. It is recommended that infants be exclusively breastfed from birth to 6 months given the numerous health benefits it provides.

To determine the association between maternal chronic disease and breastfeeding outcomes.

We analyzed cross-sectional self-report data from the 2015/2016 Canadian Community Health Survey, restricted to women who gave birth within 2 years of data collection (n = 2100, rounded). The exposure was professionally diagnosed chronic physical disease (e.g. diabetes, arthritis, heart disease). The outcomes were breastfeeding non-initiation and early cessation of breastfeeding before 6 months. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Estimates were bootstrapped and weighted to represent the national population.

Overall, 11.9% (95% CI 9.8-14.1) of women reported chronic disease, and were more likely to be single, be Canadian born, have low education, and be overweight/obese than women without chronic disease. The mean maternal age was approximately 30 years in both groups. Women with chronic disease had similar odds of breastfeeding non-initiation (AOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.54-1.71) and early cessation of any breastfeeding (AOR 1.40, 95% CI 0.82-2.40), but over twice the odds of early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding (AOR 2.48, 95% CI 1.49-4.12) compared to unaffected women.

Mothers with chronic disease initiate and continue some form of breastfeeding to six months as often as their unaffected peers. However, they have substantially higher odds of ceasing exclusive breastfeeding before the recommended 6 months. Findings suggest a need to investigate the reasons for this disparity to ensure that appropriate breastfeeding support is available for women with chronic disease and their children.