A breast-feeding assessment score to evaluate the risk for cessation of breast-feeding by 7 to 10 days of age.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a succinct and comprehensive breast-feeding assessment score (BAS) to accurately identify infants at risk for early cessation of breast-feeding before initial hospital discharge.


METHODS
Mothers who intended to breast-feed their infants were solicited from 9 suburban hospitals. Two detailed data forms covering 107 items were completed before hospital discharge. A third form was completed at 7 to 10 days of age after telephone contact with the mother.


RESULTS
Cessation of breast-feeding occurred in 113 of 1075 infants (10.5%). A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed 8 variables that were significant (P <.05) in predicting breast feeding cessation. A BAS was developed based on the odds ratios and relative risks of breast-feeding cessation for these 8 variables.


CONCLUSIONS
The BAS was easily and quickly performed before hospital discharge for near term and term infants, which accurately predicted the risk of breast-feeding cessation within 7 to 10 days of age in the population studied.
Hall
Robert T
RT
Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri 64108, USA.
Mercer
Anne M
AM
Teasley
Susan L
SL
McPherson
Deanna M
DM
Simon
Stephen D
SD
Santos
Susan R
SR
Meyers
Bridget M
BM
Hipsh
Nancy E
NE
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016015:Logistic Models; D011247:Pregnancy; D012372:ROC Curve; D018570:Risk Assessment