Breastfeeding Timing and Duration in Japan
Author Information
Author(s): Nakao Yuko, Moji Kazuhiko, Honda Sumihisa, Oishi Kazuyo
Primary Institution: Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Hypothesis
Is there an association between the timing of first breastfeeding after birth and the duration of breastfeeding among Japanese mothers?
Conclusion
Initiating breastfeeding within two hours after delivery is linked to a higher likelihood of mothers fully breastfeeding at four months.
Supporting Evidence
- 36% of mothers breastfed within 30 minutes, and 57% breastfed within 120 minutes.
- Mothers who breastfed within 120 minutes had a significantly higher rate of full breastfeeding at four months.
- Severe bleeding during delivery and caesarean sections were barriers to early breastfeeding.
- Early skin-to-skin contact was associated with higher rates of early breastfeeding.
Takeaway
If mothers start breastfeeding their babies within two hours after birth, they are more likely to keep breastfeeding for a longer time.
Methodology
A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among 318 mothers who participated in a physical examination of their four-month-old infants.
Potential Biases
Mothers who initiated breastfeeding early may have been more motivated to breastfeed, potentially skewing results.
Limitations
The study design was retrospective, which may introduce recall bias, and selection bias may have occurred as participants were healthier than non-participants.
Participant Demographics
{"mean_age":29.4,"age_distribution":{"18-24":13.5,"25-29":38.7,"30-34":33.3,"35-41":14.5},"gender_distribution":{"male":48.7,"female":51.3},"caesarean_section":17,"gestational_age":{"term":93,"premature":6.6}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI for OR 1.8-2.5
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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