Hospital Care Practices Associated With Exclusive Breastfeeding 3 and 6 Months After Discharge: A Multisite Study

Maternity care practices influence breastfeeding outcomes long after women leave the birth setting. We conducted this study to describe, from mothers' perspective, maternity care practices associated with breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months. Mothers who recalled having skin-to-skin care (SSC) and rooming-in for 23 or more hours/day were more likely to report exclusive breastfeeding when surveyed at 3 months. Perception of not enough milk and difficulty latching explained more than 85% of supplementing and weaning at 3 months. Women also reported that returning to work influenced their decision to supplement or wean. Our multisite study supports implementing low cost and evidence-based interventions such as immediate and uninterrupted SSC and rooming in to improve breastfeeding exclusivity. Findings highlight the ongoing need to bridge the gap between hospital discharge and community breastfeeding support, including workplace accommodations.