Does planning to mixed feed undermine breastfeeding?

Area of Science:

• Maternal and Child Health
• Infant Nutrition
• Lactation Studies

Background:

• Continued breastfeeding is crucial for infant health.
• The impact of mixed feeding on breastfeeding duration is not well understood.
• Early cessation of breastfeeding poses risks to infant well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between mixed feeding and early breastfeeding cessation.
• To explore the role of lactation problems in breastfeeding cessation.
• To identify factors influencing mothers' decisions to stop breastfeeding.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the Scottish National Maternal and Infant Feeding Survey (N=1974).
• Mothers reported feeding history, lactation issues, and reasons for formula use at 8-12 weeks postpartum.
• Outcome measure: cessation of breastfeeding before 6-8 weeks and time to cessation.

Main Results:

• Lactation problems were common (65%) and strongly linked to stopping breastfeeding (RR: 3.23) and mixed feeding (RR: 3.14).
• Mothers planning to mixed feed (RR: 3.39) or using formula for practicalities (RR: 3.21) were more likely to cease breastfeeding, independent of lactation issues.
• Specialist lactation support reduced cessation risk (RR: 0.63), while non-specialist support showed no effect.

Conclusions:

• Intentional mixed feeding is a significant predictor of early breastfeeding cessation.
• Lactation insufficiency is also predicted by planned mixed feeding and practical reasons for formula use.
• Targeted specialist lactation support is effective in preventing breastfeeding cessation.