Prenatal breastfeeding intentions in a group of women with high risk pregnancies.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. In spite of a limited number of contraindications, there are mothers who decide not to breastfeed their infants.


OBJECTIVE
To determine intention to breastfeed in women with high-risk pregnancies.


METHODS
Pregnant women who attended the Obstetrics high-risk clinics at the University District Hospital answered a survey.


RESULTS
Participants included 186 women. Mean maternal age was 27 years (15-47) and mean gestational age 27 weeks (9-41). Ninety-four percent intended to breastfeed. The most common reason for not planning to was the use of medications. Breastfeeding intentions were associated to higher education (p < 0.01) and to confidence in their babies being able to be breastfed (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Women with high risk pregnancies showed high interest in breastfeeding their babies but there are misconceptions that need to be addressed so that more high risk babies can benefit from breastfeeding.
Diaz Rozett
Hildamary
H
Department of Pediatrics, UPR School of Medicine, San Juan, PR 00936-5067.
Garcia Fragoso
Lourdes
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult