Does early supplementation affect long-term breastfeeding?

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutrition Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for infants and mothers.
• Maintaining exclusive breastfeeding for the initial postpartum period is crucial for long-term breastfeeding success.
• Early introduction of artificial milks can potentially disrupt established breastfeeding patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the impact of early supplementation with manufactured milks on breastfeeding duration.
• To compare breastfeeding rates at 20 weeks postpartum based on infant feeding practices in the second week after delivery.
• To investigate the association between early artificial milk supplementation and human milk intake.

Main Methods:

• Secondary data analysis of two distinct convenience samples (n=120 and n=223).
• Follow-up of breastfeeding mothers for 20 weeks postpartum or until weaning.
• Comparison of breastfeeding rates at 20 weeks between mothers exclusively feeding human milk and those supplementing with manufactured infant milks in week 2 postpartum.

Main Results:

• Mothers exclusively breastfeeding human milk in week 2 postpartum showed significantly higher breastfeeding rates at 20 weeks (63.0% and 59.7%) compared to those supplementing with artificial milks (28.1% and 24.2%).
• Early introduction of supplemental artificial milks was associated with reduced human milk consumption.
• No significant difference was observed in the intended duration of breastfeeding between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Exclusive human milk feeding in the early postpartum period is positively associated with sustained breastfeeding at 20 weeks.
• Early supplementation with manufactured infant milks negatively impacts breastfeeding duration and human milk intake.
• Promoting exclusive breastfeeding in the initial weeks postpartum is vital for achieving longer breastfeeding durations.