Michelle O'Connor1, Jyai Allen2, Jennifer Kelly3, Yu Gao4, Sue Kildea5. 1. School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, PO Box 456, Virginia, Queensland 4014, Australia; Mothers, Babies and Women's Health, Mater Health, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia. 2. Midwifery Research Unit, Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Level 3, Chamberlain Building (35), University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4165, Australia. Electronic address: jyai.allen@mater.uq.edu.au. 3. School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia. 4. Midwifery Research Unit, Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Level 3, Chamberlain Building (35), University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4165, Australia. 5. Midwifery Research Unit, Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia; Mothers, Babies and Women's Health, Mater Health, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Level 3, Chamberlain Building (35), University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4165, Australia.
Abstract
AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the maternity care factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding duration at three months and six months postpartum in a setting without BFHI accrediation. METHODS: A prospective cohort design. Participants from one tertiary maternity hospital were eligible if they intended to exclusively breastfeed, had birthed a live, term baby; were breastfeeding at recruitment; were rooming-in with their baby; were healthy and well; and understood English. Participants completed an infant feeding survey using 24-h recall questions at three time-points. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and regression modelling. FINDINGS: We recruited 424 participants of whom 84% (n=355) responded to the survey at 3-months and 79% (n=335) at 6-months. Women who avoided exposure to intrapartum opioid analgesia (e.g. intramuscular, intraveous or epidural) were more likely to be exclusively breastfeeding at 3-months postpartum (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15-3.80, probability value (p) 0.016). The only other modifiable predictor of exclusive breastfeeding at 3-months was non-exposure to artificial formula on the postnatal ward (aOR 2.44, 95% CI 1.43-4.18, p<0.001). At 6-months postpartum, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding had reduced to 5% (n=16) which rendered regression modelling untenable. DISCUSSION: Strategies to decrease exposure to opioid analgesia in birth settings and the use of infant formula on the postnatal ward may improve exclusive breastfeeding at three months. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that both intrapartum and postpartum maternity care practices can predict long-term breastfeeding success.
AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the maternity care factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding duration at three months and six months postpartum in a setting without BFHI accrediation. METHODS: A prospective cohort design. Participants from one tertiary maternity hospital were eligible if they intended to exclusively breastfeed, had birthed a live, term baby; were breastfeeding at recruitment; were rooming-in with their baby; were healthy and well; and understood English. Participants completed an infant feeding survey using 24-h recall questions at three time-points. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and regression modelling. FINDINGS: We recruited 424 participants of whom 84% (n=355) responded to the survey at 3-months and 79% (n=335) at 6-months. Women who avoided exposure to intrapartum opioid analgesia (e.g. intramuscular, intraveous or epidural) were more likely to be exclusively breastfeeding at 3-months postpartum (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15-3.80, probability value (p) 0.016). The only other modifiable predictor of exclusive breastfeeding at 3-months was non-exposure to artificial formula on the postnatal ward (aOR 2.44, 95% CI 1.43-4.18, p<0.001). At 6-months postpartum, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding had reduced to 5% (n=16) which rendered regression modelling untenable. DISCUSSION: Strategies to decrease exposure to opioid analgesia in birth settings and the use of infant formula on the postnatal ward may improve exclusive breastfeeding at three months. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that both intrapartum and postpartum maternity care practices can predict long-term breastfeeding success.