The incidence of breastfeeding in our environment

To establish the incidence of breastfeeding and its persistence after three and six months; to identify the factors which might modify attitudes towards breastfeeding.

An interview, administered to mothers of term born infants of adequate weight for gestational age, after a delivery of one sole foetus, between 1st March and 31st May 1997. Mothers were asked about: previous pregnancies, children and type of feeding; during this pregnancy, their intentions regarding feeding; supervision of pregnancy, and the information received regarding breastfeeding; their work situation, and educational level. Questions regarding the neonatal period referred to the kind of lactation initiated, information received, and the use of a pacifier and supplements. A two-part poll was conducted by telephone after 3 months and after 6 months, enquiring about what kind of feeding was used, the reason for change (if any), who had provided information regarding the change, degree of satisfaction, and work situation. Three hundred and twenty-nine polls were completed, accounting for 70% of the births.

During pregnancy, 91% of mothers had intended to breastfeed, and this figure was maintained at birth. A trend towards breastfeeding was observed: 74% of those who had fed earlier children artificially started breastfeeding this time, compared with 7% of mothers who changed from breastfeeding to artificial feeding. After three months, 57% of mothers continued to breastfeed their child, and 24% after six months. High educational level exerted a positive influence on the duration of breastfeeding (OR = 1.7; p = 0.03) and the giving of supplements had a negative effect (OR = 0.4; p = 0.04). The fact that mothers work outside the home did not modify the duration of breastfeeding.

The rate of breastfeeding is high (91%). Among mothers with previous children, there is a greater trend to change from artificial feeding to breastfeeding (74% vs 7%; p < 0.002). The mother's educational level is the most important positive factor, and the early giving of supplements the most important negative factor.