Related Experiment Videos
Breast-feeding initiation in New York City, 1979 to 1996
K D Rosenberg1, C McMurtrie, B D Kerker
1Bureau of Maternity Services and Family Planning, New York City Department of Health, NY, USA. ken.d.rosenberg@state.or.us
American Journal of Public Health
|December 8, 1998
Summary
New York City saw a significant rise in breast-feeding initiation rates between 1979 and 1996. This increase, from 29% to 58%, occurred despite national declines, potentially linked to a 1984 state regulation.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Maternal Health
Background:
- Breast-feeding initiation rates have varied significantly over time.
- Understanding trends in infant feeding practices is crucial for public health initiatives.
- Previous national data indicated a decline in breast-feeding during the 1980s.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in breast-feeding initiation among infants born in New York City (NYC) hospitals.
- To compare NYC breast-feeding rates with national trends during the study period (1979-1996).
Main Methods:
- A biennial survey of all NYC hospitals was conducted.
- Hospital staff reported infant feeding methods at hospital discharge.
- Data collection spanned from 1979 to 1996.
Main Results:
- Breast-feeding initiation rates in NYC demonstrated a consistent upward trend, increasing from 29% in 1979 to 58% in 1996 (P < .0001).
- NYC's increasing rates persisted even during 1984-1990, a period when national breast-feeding initiation rates declined.
- This sustained growth indicates a divergence from national patterns.
Conclusions:
- A 1984 New York State regulation mandating lactation coordinators in hospitals may have contributed to the observed increases in breast-feeding initiation.
- The findings suggest that supportive hospital policies can positively influence infant feeding practices.
- Continued monitoring and policy evaluation are important for promoting breast-feeding.