1980 update: the recent trend in breast-feeding

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health

Background:

• Breast-feeding is crucial for infant nutrition and development.
• Trends in breast-feeding practices can reflect societal and public health shifts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze long-term trends in breast-feeding incidence.
• To identify demographic factors associated with breast-feeding.
• To examine changes in the duration of breast-feeding.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal surveys utilizing mailed questionnaires to a national sample of mothers.
• Data collection spanned from 1955 to 1979.
• Inclusion of infant feeding type and maternal demographic characteristics.

Main Results:

• A significant decline in breast-feeding occurred between 1955 and 1971.
• A resurgence in breast-feeding incidence was observed from 1971 through 1979.
• Increased duration of breast-feeding was noted, particularly during critical infant growth periods.
• The rise in breast-feeding was not confined to higher socioeconomic or education groups.

Conclusions:

• Breast-feeding trends have shown a notable shift from decline to resurgence.
• Extended breast-feeding duration is becoming more common.
• The positive trend in breast-feeding is inclusive across diverse maternal demographics.