Breastfeeding duration in an Australian population: The influence of modifiable antenatal factors

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Blyth, RJ
Mid, M
Creedy, DK
Dennis, CL
Moyle, W
Pratt, J
Sc, MH
Healy, GN
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M.Jane Heinig

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2004
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Abstract

Despite well-documented health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies, most women discontinue breastfeeding before the recommended 12 months to 2 years. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of modifiable antenatal variables on breastfeeding outcomes. A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted with 300 pregnant, Australian women. Questionnaires containing variables of interest were administered to women during their last trimester; infant feeding method was assessed at 1 week and 4 months postpartum. Intended breastfeeding duration and breastfeeding self-efficacy were identified as the most significant modifiable variables predictive of breastfeeding outcomes. Mothers who intended to breastfeed for < 6 months were 2.4 times as likely to have discontinued breastfeeding at 4 months compared to those who intended to breastfeed for > 12 months (35.7% vs 87.5%). Similarly, mothers with high breastfeeding self-efficacy were more likely to be breastfeeding compared to mothers with low self-efficacy (79.3% vs 50.0%). J Hum Lact. 20(1):30-38.

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Journal of Human Lactation

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20

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1

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Clinical sciences

Nursing

Midwifery

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