title: Breastfeeding duration is determined by only a few factors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  According to a representative German study prepared between 1996 and 1998 (SuSe-Study) 90% of the mothers were willing to breastfeed, but only 33% (10%) of the babies were exclusively breastfed up to 4 (6) months of age. Bearing in mind that the period currently recommended for breastfeeding is 6 months, this discrepancy highlights the need for action to identify the causes. The present study investigates the behavioural pattern of mothers 4-5 months after delivery.
  
  
  METHODS
  The investigation was carried out as a cross-sectional study of mothers who intended to breastfeed their babies (n = 52). All mothers delivered in a hospital, with maximum medical care, and were interviewed later by telephone using a semi-standardised questionnaire. The differences between actual breastfeeding mothers (BF, n = 30) and non-breastfeeding mothers (not BF, n = 22) were identified. The factors influencing decision-making were determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant differences between the two groups tested (BF and not BF) were identified as the perception of the simplicity of breastfeeding, planned pregnancy, marital status, as well as participation at birth preparation classes. If only factors known prior to birth are applied, the decision to breastfeed can be correctly forecast as being 81%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In order to allocate consulting resources more effectively, appropriate concepts need to be developed and promoted. If the present results could be verified by a study with a larger sample, the practical use for resource optimisation in breastfeeding consultations would be very beneficial.
authors.affiliation: Faculty Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany. elke.peters@rzbd.haw-hamburg.de
authors.forename: Elke
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.forename: Karl-Heinz
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Wehkamp
authors.forename: Ricardo E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Felberbaum
authors.forename: Detlef
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Krüger
authors.forename: Roland
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Linder
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D040841:Resource Allocation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors