Working mothers breastfeed babies more than housewives.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the prevalence and determinants of breastfeeding and to identify perinatal, sociodemographic, psychosocial and environmental factors associated with maternal infant feeding intention.


METHODS
A sample of 3734 Greek mothers that delivered their infants in 2000 was recruited in a longitudinal cohort study. Data on duration of breastfeeding was based on a questionnaire answered by 76.6% of the participants at 8-12 months postpartum.


RESULTS
The rates of any breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months were 52% and 24%, respectively. The corresponding rates of exclusive breastfeeding were 37% and 17%. From Cox regression analysis mother's intention to breastfeed for a short time and upbringing in the area of Athens were significantly associated with early termination of any breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding. A positive intention to breastfeed was influenced by maternal entitlement more than 6 months, delivery in autumn or winter, mother's upbringing abroad and previous breastfeeding experience.


CONCLUSIONS
The rates of any breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding during the first year of life were fairly satisfactory. Programs to support breastfeeding are necessary and should encourage women to feel positive to breastfeed, focusing particularly on non-working mothers, mothers with a maternity entitlement less than 6 months and mothers who lack previous breastfeeding experience.
Bakoula
Chryssa
C
First Department of Paediatrics, University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece. cbakoula@med.uoa.gr
Veltsista
Alexandra
A
Prezerakou
Anargyroula
A
Moustaki
Maria
M
Fretzayas
Andreas
A
Nicolaidou
Polyxeni
P
D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D033182:Intention; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014931:Women, Working / Q000523:psychology*