Overcoming barriers to breastfeeding continuation and exclusivity.
OBJECTIVE
To review recent research that delineates predictors of breastfeeding duration and exclusivity.


RESULTS
Many mothers find it difficult to meet personal goals and follow expert recommendations for continued and exclusive breastfeeding despite increased rates of initiation. Recent studies have revealed varied sociodemographic, biomedical, and psychosocial determinants of breastfeeding duration and exclusivity.


CONCLUSIONS
In order to help mothers meet personal goals and expert recommendations for breastfeeding, pediatricians should educate themselves regarding predictors of and barriers to successful breastfeeding. Once these predictors and barriers have been identified, targeted anticipatory guidance can be provided to help mothers achieve breastfeeding success.
Whalen
Bonny
B
Department of Pediatrics, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH, USA. bonny.whalen@hitchcock.org
Cramton
Rachel
R
D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support