title: Prevalence and factors affecting breastfeeding among Aboriginal women in Northwestern Ontario.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate breastfeeding outcomes among Aboriginal women and to determine variables affecting breastfeeding in the early postpartum period.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective cohort study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two sites in Northwestern Ontario, Canada: a tertiary care center and a rural hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred thirty breastfeeding Aboriginal women agreed to participate in the study.
  
  
  METHODS
  All women completed a baseline survey in hospital that included questions regarding demographic, prenatal, breastfeeding, obstetric, postpartum, and neonatal characteristics. Women were then telephoned at 4 and 8 weeks postpartum to complete additional questionnaires regarding infant feeding.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Low rates of breastfeeding initiation (69%) and exclusive breastfeeding were identified at 4 (37.5%) and 8 (35.3%) weeks postpartum. Among those who initiated breastfeeding, duration rates at 4 (86%) and 8 weeks (78%) postpartum are comparable to other studies. Variables associated with any and exclusive breastfeeding at 8 weeks included the following: (a) household income, (b) intended breastfeeding duration, (c) plan to exclusively breastfeed, (d) perception of meeting their planned duration goal, and (e) higher breastfeeding self-efficacy. Partner support was associated with any breastfeeding at 8 weeks but not exclusivity. Women who were breastfeeding exclusively in hospital (prevalence ratio [PR] = .48, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.27, 0.86]), did not smoke (PR = 2.5, 95% CI [1.4, 4.3]) and/or use substances during pregnancy (PR = 4.5, 95% CI [1.5, 14]) were more likely to be breastfeeding exclusively at 8 weeks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many of the variables may be considered modifiable and amenable to intervention. Targeted interventions should be directed toward improving breastfeeding outcomes among Aboriginal women.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McQueen
authors.forename: Lee E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Sieswerda
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Montelpare
authors.forename: Cindy-Lee
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Dennis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008425:Maternal Behavior / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009864:Ontario / Q000453:epidemiology; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000379:methods; D015995:Prevalence; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Aboriginal women; breastfeeding intentions; breastfeeding outcomes; breastfeeding self-efficacy; variables