title: The Ontario Mother and Infant Survey: breastfeeding outcomes.
abstract: A cross-sectional survey of postpartum women following discharge from five hospitals in Ontario, Canada, examined breatfeeding patterns and risk factors for early discontinuation. Consenting mothers completed self-administered questionnaires prior to discharge (n = 1250) and telephone interviews at 4 weeks postdischarge (n = 875). Breastfeeding initiation rates for women completing the interview varied from 82% to 96% across the sites. Continuation rates rapidly declined, with 13% to 24% of women who had initiated breastfeeding switching to formula by 4 weeks postpartum. Perceived inadequate milk supply, difficulty with breastfeeding techniques, and sore nipples were the main reasons reported. Risk factors for breastfeeding cessation included not completing high school; intention to breastfeed less than 4 months; not anticipating the use of a "mom's group" or "drop-in center"; one or more maternal visits to a family physician; length of postpartum stay greater than 48 hours; unmet need for care or help with breastfeeding; and received advice, information, or support about formula feeding.
authors.affiliation: City of Hamilton Social and Public Health Services Department, Dundas Office, P.O. Box 897, 2 King Street West, Dundas, Ontario, L9H 6Z1 Canada.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sheehan
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Krueger
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Watt
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sword
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bridle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007774:Lactation / Q000502:physiology*; D008895:Milk, Human; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009864:Ontario; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors