Breastfeeding challenges and support in a high initiation population.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Lactation Science

Background:

• Israel has a high breastfeeding initiation rate (approx. 90%).
• Exclusive breastfeeding duration significantly declines postpartum.
• Early postpartum professional support's role in breastfeeding success is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess early postpartum professional breastfeeding support.
• Examine the association between support and breastfeeding success.
• Identify risk factors for early breastfeeding discontinuation.

Main Methods:

• Convenience sample of 868 mothers attending Maternal and Child Health Centers (MCHCs).
• Post-discharge newborn follow-up study utilizing a 26-item questionnaire.
• Data collected on demographics, birth details, breastfeeding duration, lactation support, and problems.

Main Results:

• 91.8% initiated breastfeeding; exclusive breastfeeding averaged 66.8 days.
• Shorter duration observed for preterm births, low birthweight infants, cesarean births, and NICU admissions.
• 59.3% received in-hospital guidance; mechanical issues and milk supply concerns were common problems.

Conclusions:

• Breastfeeding duration falls short of recommendations despite high initiation.
• In-hospital and community-based lactation support are inadequate and require funding.
• High-risk groups need tailored counseling, focusing on postpartum challenges during maternity leave.