Breast-feeding initiation in New York City, 1979 to 1996.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to explore changes in breast-feeding initiation from 1979 to 1996 among infants born in New York City hospitals.


METHODS
All New York City hospitals were surveyed every 2 years. Hospital staff reported feeding method at newborn discharge.


RESULTS
New York City breast-feeding initiation rates increased consistently from 1979 to 1996 (from 29% to 58%, P < .0001), including 1984 to 1990, when rates decreased nationally.


CONCLUSIONS
A 1984 New York State regulation requiring each hospital to designate a lactation coordinator may have been associated with the continuing increases in breast-feeding initiation.
Rosenberg
K D
KD
Bureau of Maternity Services and Family Planning, New York City Department of Health, NY, USA. ken.d.rosenberg@state.or.us
McMurtrie
C
C
Kerker
B D
BD
Na
Y
Y
Graham
E H
EH
D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003253:Consultants; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000639:trends; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006786:Hospitals, Urban / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D009519:New York City; D009720:Nurse Clinicians; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires