Infant milk feeding practices in the Netherlands and associated factors.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to describe infant feeding practices and associated factors, and to explore mothers' main reasons for starting and stopping breastfeeding.


METHODS
We performed a national inquiry into milk feeding practices among 9133 Dutch infants aged < 7 mo by means of a questionnaire.


RESULTS
78% of mothers initiated breastfeeding. At 1 and 4 mo, respectively, 51 and 25% of infants were fed primarily on human milk; after 6 mo, only 15% of mothers still provided human milk as the only source of milk feeding. During the whole 6-mo period, another 11 to 18% was fed on both breast and formula milk. Women initiating breastfeeding were more likely to be higher educated, have a higher-educated partner, be non-smokers, have a full-time job, and be primiparous. In addition, breastfeeding initiation rate was higher for women born outside the Netherlands. Longer duration of breastfeeding was mostly found amongst higher-educated, non-smoking women. The odds for continuation of breastfeeding after 4 mo increased when mothers' working hours did not exceed 16 h/wk. Infant delivery at home was associated with a higher initiation rate as well as longer duration of breastfeeding compared to hospital delivery. Infants born after 38 wk of gestation, with a birthweight of 3500 g had higher odds to be breastfed for a longer period.


CONCLUSIONS
Only a minority of Dutch infants is breastfed for 6 mo. Maternal and infant characteristics are important predictors of breastfeeding initiation and duration.
Lanting
Caren I
CI
Department of Child Health, Netherlands Organization of Applied Scientific Research (TNO) Prevention and Health, Box 2215, 2301 CE Leiden, the Netherlands. ci.lanting@pg.tno.nl
Van Wouwe
Jacobus P
JP
Reijneveld
Sijmen A
SA
D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003657:Decision Making; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006700:Home Childbirth; D006801:Humans; D041943:Infant Formula / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016015:Logistic Models; D009426:Netherlands; D012907:Smoking