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Breastfeeding at 6 weeks and predictive factors
1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|November 19, 1997
Summary
Exclusive breastfeeding rates remain low in urban hospitals despite initiatives. Factors like antenatal plans and maternal employment influence breastfeeding success, while difficulties decrease exclusive breastfeeding. Further research is needed to improve rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) aims to promote breastfeeding, yet low rates persist in some urban settings.
- Understanding current infant feeding trends and influencing factors is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine infant feeding trends at 6 weeks postpartum.
- To identify perinatal and sociodemographic factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and exclusive infant formula feeding (EIF).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 500 mothers with singleton pregnancies and healthy infants interviewed at 6 weeks postpartum.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of EBF and EIF.
Main Results:
- Only 25% of mothers practiced exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), while 26% used exclusive infant formula feeding (EIF).
- Factors associated with EBF included antenatal breastfeeding plans, non-paid employment, older maternal age, female infants, and Indian ethnicity.
- Breastfeeding difficulties significantly decreased EBF odds, and were associated with increased EIF use, along with lower maternal education and Chinese ethnicity.
Conclusions:
- Exclusive breastfeeding rates at 6 weeks postpartum remain suboptimal in this urban hospital setting.
- Identifying adverse factors for EBF is critical for developing targeted strategies to improve breastfeeding rates.
- Further in-depth research is warranted to address the identified barriers to exclusive breastfeeding.