[Changes in breast feeding behavior in Styria 1994 and 2000].
Aim of this study was to examine breast feeding behaviour in Styria, Austria in the years 1994 and 2000. Differences were documented and possibilities for better support were outlined. 1994 106 and 2000 60 mothers were questioned about breast feeding behaviour of the last child after delivery of a newborn in our hospital. The social status of the parents, breast feeding duration and frequency, problems while breast feeding and contraception were documented. The mothers were also asked about the breast feeding behaviour they planed for the newborn. 1994 83% and 2000 88% of the mothers breast fed their babies for at least 1 month. The average breast feeding duration increased from 4.8 months in 1994 to 5.3 months in 2000. The frequency of breast feeding also increased. Low social status was correlated with shorter breast feeding duration. Support for breast feeding was used by 53% of the mothers in 1994 and by only 28% of the mothers in 2000. 27% of the mothers wish to breast-feed the newborn longer than the last child in 2000. Breast feeding duration has increased in Styria, Austria from 1994 to 2000. Since mothers want to breast feed even longer, support to breast feeding mothers should be offered as often as possible.
Kutschera
J
J
Klinische Abteilung für Neonatologie, Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde, Auenbruggerplatz 30, A-8036 Graz. joerg.kutschera@klinikum-graz.at
Christidis
I
I
Rosegger
H
H
Moser
F
F
Müller
W
W
D000328:Adult; D001317:Austria; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors