Factors Affecting Breastfeeding Duration in Australian Women
Author Information
Author(s): Della A Forster, Helen L McLachlan, Judith Lumley
Primary Institution: La Trobe University
Hypothesis
What factors predict women continuing to breastfeed at six months postpartum?
Conclusion
The study found that a strong desire to breastfeed, being breastfed as a baby, being born in an Asian country, and older maternal age positively influenced breastfeeding duration, while lack of intention to breastfeed, smoking, maternal obesity, and self-reported depression negatively influenced it.
Supporting Evidence
- A very strong desire to breastfeed was positively associated with breastfeeding duration.
- Women who were breastfed as babies were more likely to continue breastfeeding.
- Older maternal age was linked to longer breastfeeding duration.
- Smoking 20 or more cigarettes per day negatively impacted breastfeeding outcomes.
Takeaway
This study shows that wanting to breastfeed and having support can help moms breastfeed longer, while things like smoking and feeling sad can make it harder.
Methodology
Data from a randomized controlled trial were pooled and analyzed using logistic regression to identify factors predicting breastfeeding at six months.
Potential Biases
Participants may have been more likely to agree to participate if they had an interest in breastfeeding.
Limitations
The study was limited to primiparous women who could speak, read, and write English, which may affect generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Primiparous women attending a public tertiary women's hospital in Melbourne, Australia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Confidence Interval
(0.25, 0.67)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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