Characterizing reasons for breastfeeding cessation throughout the first year postpartum using the construct of thriving.

The authors examined whether 4 factors derived from the construct of thriving--Physical Adjustment, Infant Nutritional Status, Psychosocial Distress, and Lifestyle Patterns--explain reasons behind breastfeeding cessation. Factor analysis of longitudinal 1993-1994 data showed that mother's concern about her milk supply, wanting to leave the infant, or wanting someone else to feed the infant were the predominant reasons cited for breastfeeding cessation in the first 5 months. The 4 factors accounted for 97% of reasons given in the first 2 months, 86% of reasons given in months 3 to 5, and 58% of reasons from months 6 to 12. An additional factor--expectation regarding appropriate age for breastfeeding cessation--was also important in later months.