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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
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to explore changes in breast-feeding initiation from 1979 to 1996 among infants born in New York City hospitals.
Methods:
All New York City hospitals were surveyed every 2 years. Hospital staff reported feeding method at newborn discharge.
Results:
New York City breast-feeding initiation rates increased consistently from 1979 to 1996 (from 29% to 58%, P < .0001), including 1984 to 1990, when rates decreased nationally.
Conclusions:
A 1984 New York State regulation requiring each hospital to designate a lactation coordinator may have been associated with the continuing increases in breast-feeding initiation.