Factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months postpartum: A systematic review

Relationship and Determinants of Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Among Postpartum Mothers and Fathers in Malawi: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding self-efficacy among both mothers and fathers is critical in enhancing exclusive breastfeeding rates. However, the interrelationship between maternal and paternal breastfeeding self-efficacy and their determinants remains unknown.

RESEARCH AIMS

We aimed to (a) investigate the relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy scores postpartum for mothers and fathers; (b) explore factors associated with breastfeeding self-efficacy in this group; and (c) examine determinants of combined self-efficacy scores among breastfeeding parents in Malawi.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study on postpartum mother-father couples at a tertiary maternity facility in central Malawi. Breastfeeding self-efficacy was measured using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Short-Form. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic and health variables. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

Mothers demonstrated a higher score of self-efficacy (M = 55.7, SD = 6.5) in comparison to fathers (M = 50.2, SD = 11.9). A significant moderate positive correlation was identified between mothers' and fathers' breastfeeding self-efficacy (r = 0.32). Age, employment status, mode of birth, and practicing exclusive breastfeeding were significantly associated with maternal and paternal breastfeeding self-efficacy. Factors including advanced age, Cesarean delivery, and depressive symptoms emerged as significant determinants of combined breastfeeding self-efficacy scores among couples.

CONCLUSION

Breastfeeding self-efficacy is highly correlated between mothers and fathers, with a relatively higher score in mothers. Importantly, sociodemographic, obstetric, and psychological determinants play a substantial role in influencing parental breastfeeding efficacy. This highlights the necessity of incorporating both mothers and fathers into future breastfeeding promotion strategies.

Psychometric assessment of the breastfeeding self-efficacy scale-short form: An alternative german translation

BACKGROUND

The identification of low breastfeeding self-efficacy allows for tailored interventions to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding among women in accordance with WHO recommendations. While breastfeeding self-efficacy can be measured using the widely accepted Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF), the construct and predictive validity of a translated German version have not been sufficiently demonstrated. The present study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of an alternative German translation of the BSES-SF.

METHODS

The BSES-SF was administered to mothers at three months (N = 143) and six months (N = 115) postpartum. In addition, exclusive breastfeeding duration and related constructs were assessed.

RESULTS

Excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.91) was shown. A good model fit was achieved in the confirmatory factor analysis only when error covariances were considered (CFI = 0.95, SRMR = 0.057, RMSEA = 0.074), raising concerns about a unidimensional structure in the translated version. Construct and divergent validity were supported by significant correlations with self-esteem and social support, and negative correlations with depression, stress, and general anxiety. Importantly, predictive validity was confirmed. Furthermore, breastfeeding self-efficacy at three months postpartum was significantly correlated with exclusive breastfeeding duration at six months (r = 0.312).

CONCLUSION

This study ensures the construct validity of the German BSES-SF and confirms its predictive validity for the first time. The German translation enables midwives and healthcare professionals in German-speaking countries to identify mothers in need of breastfeeding support up to three months postpartum. Targeted interventions can be tailored based on the overall BSES-SF score or specific item responses, contributing to improved breastfeeding outcomes.

Factors and interventions that positively influence breastfeeding rates at six months postpartum: An integrative literature review

BACKGROUND

Despite the health benefits of breastmilk, many women discontinue breastfeeding prior to six months postpartum. Previous work from 2010 has identified women's breastfeeding intention, self-efficacy, and support as the main modifiable factors that influence breastfeeding at six months postpartum. However, due to societal changes during the past decade, factors influencing women's decision to continue breastfeeding requires further exploration.

AIM

To determine "what modifiable contemporary factors and interventions can positively influence women's decision to continue breastfeeding until six months postpartum?"

METHOD

An integrative literature review was conducted based on Whittemore and Knafl's framework. Databases were searched using combinations of the following main key words: breastfeeding, duration, factors, and interventions. Studies addressing the research question and published in English language since 2010 were included. Interventional studies were limited to only randomised controlled trials.

RESULTS

Women's positive breastfeeding intention, self-efficacy, and support remained the key modifiable factors that could increase breastfeeding rates up to six months postpartum. The main effective interventions included education support or counselling when they targeted women's needs, intention, self-efficacy and support; and were held over multiple sessions commencing antenatally or immediately after birth. Contemporary effective strategies included digital communications such as phone calls, virtual meetings and messaging via social media including FacebookTM, WhatsAppTM and TelegramTM. Main conceptual frameworks were motivational interviewing, planned behaviour theory and cognitive behavioural therapy.

CONCLUSION

Interventions that support breastfeeding up to six months should include contemporary strategies that target the main modifiable factors and are tailored based to women's needs and their sociocultural influences.

Influence of abuse and disrespect during childbirth on early initiation of breastfeeding

BACKGROUND

An increasing trend among women and professionals is recognizing the existence of abuse and disrespect by professionals toward women during childbirth. The promotion of breastfeeding is a priority objective, and few studies address the relationship between this mistreatment during birth and its impact on breastfeeding rates. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between abusive treatment and the disrespect that women receive from professionals during childbirth with the early initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding on hospital discharge.

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study conducted in Spain with women who had become mothers in 2022. The data were obtained through an online questionnaire distributed via women's associations in which breastfeeding rates in the first hour of life and upon hospital discharge were included as dependent variables, and sociodemographic, obstetric, breastfeeding variables, and abuse and lack of respect during childbirth were included as independent variables. Crude Odds Ratio (OR) and adjusted (aOR) were calculated with their respective 95% CI.

RESULTS

2048 women participated. The perception of abuse and disrespect, expressed as higher scores on the CARE-MQ scale, showed a lower probability of breastfeeding in the first hour of life by 0.69 to 0.43 (percentile 50-74 aOR:0.69; 95% CI:0.49, 0.97; p74-89 aOR:0.59; 95% CI:0.39, 0.87; p > 90 aOR:0.43; 95% CI:0.32, 0.76). Attending more than 5 prenatal education sessions, skin-to-skin contact, and previous breastfeeding experience increase the probability of early initiation of breastfeeding and maintaining it when the woman is discharged from the hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

Women who perceive more abuse and disrespect from professionals during childbirth are less likely to initiate breastfeeding early; however, this relationship is not observed when assessing breastfeeding at hospital discharge.

Trajectory of breastfeeding among Chinese women and risk prediction models based on machine learning: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding is the optimal source of nutrition for infants and young children, essential for their healthy growth and development. However, a gap in cohort studies tracking breastfeeding up to six months postpartum may lead caregivers to miss critical intervention opportunities.

METHODS

This study conducted a three-wave prospective cohort analysis to examine maternal breastfeeding trajectories within the first six months postpartum and to develop risk prediction models for each period using advanced machine learning algorithms. Conducted at a leading Maternal and Children's hospital in China from October 2021 to June 2022, data were gathered via self-administered surveys and electronic health records.

RESULTS

Of the 3307 women recruited, 3175 completed the surveys, yielding a 96% effective response rate. Breastfeeding(BF) rates were observed at 100%, 96%,93% and 83% at discharge, 42 day, 3 month and 6 month postpartum, respectively. Exclusively breastfeeding(EBF) rates were recorded at 91%, 64%,72% and 58% for the same intervals. Among the five machine learning methods employed, Random Forest (RF) demonstrated superior accuracy in predicting breastfeeding patterns, with classification accuracies of 0.629 and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.8122 at 42 days, 0.925 and an AUC of 0.9800 at 3 months, and 0.836 and an AUC of 0.9463 at 6 months postpartum, respectively. Key predictive factors for breastfeeding at 42 days postpartum included the newborn's birth weight and the mother's pre-delivery and prenatal weights. Predictors for feeding type at 3 months and 6 months postpartum included early feeding types and the scores from the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-short Form (BSES-SF) at 6 months. The predictive model based on follow-up data showed strong performance.

CONCLUSION

Breastfeeding rates slightly declined from discharge to 6 months postpartum. The breastfeeding context in this region is comparatively optimistic both within China and internationally. Factors such as newborn's birth weight, gestational age, maternal weight management before and during pregnancy, early support and breastfeeding success, breastfeeding knowledge and self-efficacy are intricately linked to long-term breastfeeding outcomes. This study highlights critical, modifiable risk factors for early breastfeeding stages, providing valuable insights for enhancing breastfeeding intervention programs and informed decision-making.

Factors associated with breastfeeding rates at 1 month of age: Focusing on newborn feeding behaviours in a Japanese maternity hospital

AIM

This study investigated the relationship between newborn feeding behaviour and feeding type among month-old babies and explored maternal and neonatal factors associated with breastfeeding rates at 1 month of age.

METHODS

This observational study was conducted in Japan with healthy mothers and full-term newborns. Newborn feeding behaviours were assessed using the Japanese Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT) within approximately 1 day of birth. Obstetric and newborn characteristics, including newborn feeding behaviours, were investigated in relation feeding type (breast milk or mixed milk) at 1 month of age.

RESULTS

This study included 176 mother-newborn pairs. IBFAT scores were significantly higher in the breast-milk group (Median (M) = 10.5, Interquartile Ranges (IQR): 9.0-11.0) than in the mixed-milk group (M = 10.0, IQR: 7.5-11.0) (P = 0.046). Additionally, the sucking pattern of breastfeeding was showing a greater distribution of higher scores in the breast-milk group (M = 2.0, IQR: 2.0-2.5) than in the mixed-milk group (M = 2.0, IQR: 1.5-2.5) (P = 0.015). Compared to mothers who received epidural analgesia or synthetic oxytocin, primiparas who did not receive them were more likely to breastfeed (epidural analgesia: (33.3% vs. 65.8%, P = 0.004); synthetic oxytocin: (42.0% vs. 78.6%, P = 0.018)). For multiparas, Apgar and IBFAT scores were associated with feeding type at 1 month of age.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that newborns' effective and sustained sucking within 1 day of birth is an important factor for breastfeeding at 1 month of age. When assessing feeding type, maternal factors such as epidural analgesia should be the focus for primiparas, while neonatal factors such as feeding behaviour should be prioritised for multiparas.

Hypnotherapy influence on maternal psychological, breastfeeding, mRNA-OXTR expression, and OXTR protein

Hypnotherapy has emerged as a potential alternative to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates, particularly in countries like Indonesia where they are below optimal levels. This study aims to evaluate the impact of audio hypnotherapy on the psychological, exclusive breastfeeding behavior, the OXTR protein and mRNA expression gene OXTR in mothers of infants aged 0-6 months. This study employed a Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial design, conducted from November 2022 to May 2023 in 11 primary health centers. The study population included breastfeeding mothers with infants aged 0-6 months, with a total sample size of 70 respondents who were randomly divided into intervention (received audio hypnotherapy) and control groups (received standard care). The psychological condition was measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Exclusive breastfeeding behavior was assessed based on both quality and quantity. Genetic factors were evaluated through mRNA OXTR expression using real-time PCR and protein OXTR levels using ELISA. Analyzing data using linear and logistic regression models. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses revealed significant differences in psychological condition (p < .0001). There were big differences in the exclusive breastfeeding behavior (p < .0001), as well as in the amounts of protein OXTR and mRNA expression of the OXTR gene (p < .0001). We recommend the implementation of audio hypnotherapy as an effective complementary therapeutic approach to manage the psychological well-being, exclusive breastfeeding behavior, the mRNA expression of the OXTR gene and levels of OXTR protein in mothers of infants aged 0-6 months.

COMT Variants are Associated With Breast and Nipple Pain

Estimates suggest that only 24.9% of infants born in 2019 were exclusively breastfed before 6 months of age, despite the known health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. Breast and nipple pain is one of the primary determinants of exclusive breastfeeding. Environmental contributions to breastfeeding success have been reported extensively in the literature, but the contribution(s) of maternal genetics has yet to be discovered. The purpose of the study was to identify an association between pain and lactation-related gene variants with exclusive breastfeeding determinants. We selected 4 genes having single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with potential functional significance in breastfeeding and pain: prolactin receptor (PRLR), oxytocin receptor (OXTR), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), and milk fat globule epidermal growth factor and factor V/VIII domain containing (MFGE8). We performed a cross-sectional secondary analysis of a longitudinal randomized controlled trial study, Promoting Self-Management of Breast and Nipple Pain with Biomarkers and Technology for Breastfeeding Women (NCT05262920). Breast and nipple pain, perceived insufficient milk, and breastfeeding self-efficacy were examined using total scale scores for the Brief Pain Inventory, Visual Analog Scale, H&H Lactation Scale, and the Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Scale-short form, respectively. Of the candidate genes examined, SNPs within COMT were significantly associated with breastfeeding-related outcomes. Specifically, COMT rs4633 and rs4680 minor allele carriers (T, A) reported higher breast and nipple pain intensity than women homozygous for the major allele (C, G). COMT is the most widely researched "pain gene" and has been linked to cold, postoperative, and postpartum pain. This study is the first to identify a contribution of COMT variants to breast and nipple pain and, as a result, to breastfeeding exclusivity. PERSPECTIVE: Two SNPs in the pain gene COMT are associated with breast and nipple pain. Clinically, a minor allele in COMT rs4633 and rs4680 may increase a woman's rating of moderate breast and nipple pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROMPT was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (protocol #NCT05262920).

Increase in Breastfeeding Rates in Baby-Friendly Hospitals in Greece: Comparison with the National Study of 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The primary purpose of this study was to correlate the factors influencing the onset and duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and breastfeeding (BF) rates at different time points in baby-friendly hospitals (BFHs) in Greece.

METHODS

This study was conducted from October 2020 to January 2022. The sample consisted of 1201 mothers with corresponding newborn births out of the total 7201 that took place during the same period. We used a questionnaire that the mothers answered during the first hour after birth, before being discharged from the maternity hospital, and at the 2nd, 4th, and 6th month of the infant's life. The results were compared with the data of the national study from 2017 (concerning births from general maternity hospitals and not only from BFHs).

RESULTS

The EBF rate within 1 h after birth was 71.3%, which gradually declined to 21.2% in the 6th month. Between the two studies, differences were recorded in BF and EBF rates at the 6th and 4th month of the infants' life, respectively, especially in mothers who are less likely to breastfeed (e.g., those without breastfeeding experience, those over 40 years old, etc.).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that EBF and BF rates are higher in infants born in BFHs compared to non-BFHs both during their hospitalization in the first days of life and during the first 6 months of life. BFHs also play a decisive role in mothers who, due to their socio-economic profile, have lower chances of starting to breastfeed.

Factors Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding during Admission to a Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study in Spain

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding is the optimal nourishment for infants and it is recommended that children commence breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the initial 6 months of life. Our objective was to determine which factors related to mothers could influence the degree of exclusive breastfeeding during hospitalization, as well as to assess breastfeeding mothers' attitudes towards breastfeeding.

METHODS

A multicenter cross-sectional study was undertaken in the healthcare area of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The necessary variables were collected using a specially designed ad hoc questionnaire. The researcher responsible for recruitment conducted the interviews with the participants. The reduced Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS-s) was employed to gauge maternal attitudes toward feeding their baby.

RESULTS

In total, 64 women were studied. The overall score of IIFAS-s (mean ± standard deviation) was 36.95 ± 5.17. A positive attitude towards breastfeeding was therefore observed in our sample. No use of a pacifier by the newborn was associated with a positive attitude for breastfeeding. Having previous children (Ora = 6.40; IC95% 1.26-32.51) and previous experience with breastfeeding (Ora = 6.70; IC95% 1.31-34.27) increased the likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding during admission.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, exclusive breastfeeding during hospitalization is associated with having previous children and prior breastfeeding experience.

Exclusive breastfeeding among Indonesian working mothers: does early initiation of breastfeeding matter?

BACKGROUND

Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) is a starting point that lays the foundation for breastfeeding and bonding between mother and baby. Meanwhile, working mothers are one of the vulnerable groups for the success of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). The study analyzed the role of EIBF on EBF among Indonesian working mothers.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study examined secondary data from the 2021 Indonesian National Nutritional Status Survey. The study analyzed 4,003 respondents. We examined EBF practice as an outcome variable and EIBF as an exposure variable. We included nine control variables (residence, maternal age, marital, education, prenatal classes, wealth, infant age, sex, and birth weight). All variables were assessed by questionnaire. The study employed a binary logistic regression test in the last stage.

RESULTS

The result showed that the proportion of EBF among working mothers in Indonesia in 2021 was 51.9%. Based on EIBF, Indonesian working mothers with EIBF were 2.053 times more likely than those without to perform EBF (p < 0.001; AOR 2.053; 95% CI 2.028-2.077). Moreover, the study also found control variables related to EBF in Indonesia: residence, maternal age, marital, education, prenatal classes, wealth, infant age, sex, and birth weight.

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that EIBF was related to EBF. Indonesian working mothers with EIBF were two times more likely than those without to perform EBF. The government needs to release policies that strengthen the occurrence of EIBF in working mothers to increase EBF coverage.

Effect of Nurse Support in the Immediate Postpartum Period on Mothers' Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Levels in Turkey: A Quasi-Experimental Study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the effect of nurse-based breastfeeding support during the immediate postpartum period on mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy levels.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 256 mothers in the immediate postpartum period (128 in the intervention group who received nurse-based breastfeeding support and routine care and 128 in the control group who received routine care) during February-June 2018. Data were collected using the Mother-Infant Data Sheet, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF), and the Nurse-Parent Support Tool (NPST).

RESULTS

BSES-SF and NPST mean scores of mothers in the intervention group were higher than those of mothers in the control group (p < 0.01). While the association between breastfeeding self-efficacy and nurse support was low in the control group (0.271), it was rather high in the intervention group (0.693) (p < 0.05). It was found that nurse support explained 48% of the variance in breastfeeding self-efficacy in the intervention group, but only 7.3% of the variance in breastfeeding self-efficacy in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE

The results of the study indicate that nurse support for mothers in the immediate postpartum period based on breastfeeding training has a positive impact on breastfeeding self-efficacy.

The effects of video-assisted breastfeeding education given to primiparous pregnant women on breastfeeding self-efficacy: randomized control study

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding is vitally important for the health of the mother, baby, family and society. Especially the perception of breastfeeding self-efficacy of primiparous pregnant women is an important factor in breastfeeding. This study was conducted to determine the effects of online video-supported breastfeeding education on breastfeeding self-efficacy in primiparous pregnant women.

METHODS

This randomized controlled study was conducted with primiparous pregnant women admitted to a university hospital in northern Turkey. The study involved 80 pregnant women, with 40 assigned to the experimental group and 40 to the control group. Participants in the intervention group received online video-assisted education, which covered the first meeting of the mother and baby as well as the initial breastfeeding session. The data for the breastfeeding self-efficacy scale were gathered at the onset of the study and three weeks later. In data analysis, categorical variables were assessed using the chi-square test, continuous variables and intergroup comparisons were conducted through the independent sample t-test, and intragroup comparisons were performed using the paired sample t-test.

RESULTS

While the baseline breastfeeding self-efficacy levels of the primiparous pregnant women were similar between the groups, statistically significant differences were observed both within (p = 0.000) and between (p = 0.000) groups in the breastfeeding self-efficacy scores of pregnant women in the intervention group after the education intervention.

CONCLUSION

Breastfeeding self-efficacy levels in the education group showed a statistically significant increase compared to both the pre-education and control groups. This highlights the importance of nurses providing support to primiparous pregnant women through video-assisted education during pregnancy to enhance breastfeeding self-efficacy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06121973 date of first registration (27/10/2023), retrospectively registered (08/11/2023).

Metabolizable Energy Content of Breastmilk Supports Normal Growth in Exclusively Breastfed Icelandic Infants to Age 6 Months

BACKGROUND

Neither the global population nor individual countries have reached the World Health Organization (WHO) target of ≥50% of infants exclusively breastfed (EBF) until 6 mo. This may partly be because of the perceptions of insufficient milk and energy supply to meet rapid growth and development needs.

OBJECTIVES

In a longitudinal observational study, we aimed to determine whether breastmilk energy content is sufficient to support growth during EBF until 6 mo.

METHODS

A sample of 27 EBF infants was dosed with doubly labeled water (DLW) at 5.6 mo to measure body composition, breastmilk intake, energy intake, and the metabolizable energy (ME) content of their mother's breastmilk over the following week. Z-scores were calculated for anthropometry using WHO reference data and for fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) using United Kingdom reference data.

RESULTS

Anthropometric z-scores from birth indicated normal weight and length growth patterns. At ∼6 mo, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) FFM z-score was 0.22 ± 1.07, and the FM z-score was 0.78 ± 0.70, significantly >0. In the 22 infants with acceptable data, the mean ± SD measured intake of breastmilk was 983 ± 170 g/d and of energy, 318 ± 60 kJ/kg/d, equivalent to 75.9 ± 14.3 kcal/kg/d. The mean ME content of breastmilk was 2.61 kJ/g [standard error (SE) 0.1], equivalent to 0.62 kcal/g (SE 0.02). Mothers were positive toward breastfeeding, on paid maternity leave (planned mean 10 mo), and many (56%) had received specialized breastfeeding support.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence from this study confirms that when mothers are motivated and supported without economic restraints, breastmilk intake and the energy supplied by breastmilk to EBF infants at 6 mo of age is sufficient to support normal growth patterns. There was no evidence of constraint on FFM, and other studies show that high FM in EBF infants is likely to be transient. These data further support the recommendation for EBF ≤6 mo of age for body composition. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02586571.

Breastfeeding initiation and duration through the COVID-19 pandemic, a linked population-level routine data study: the Born in Wales Cohort 2018-2021

OBJECTIVES

The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. This study aimed to examine the impact the pandemic had on breastfeeding uptake and duration, and whether intention to breastfeed is associated with longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding.

METHODS

A cohort study using routinely collected, linked healthcare data from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage databank. All women who gave birth in Wales between 2018 and 2021 recorded in the Maternal Indicators dataset were asked about intention to breastfeed. These data were linked with the National Community Child Health Births and Breastfeeding dataset to examine breastfeeding rates.

RESULTS

Intention to breastfeed was associated with being 27.6 times more likely to continue to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months compared with those who did not intend to breastfeed (OR 27.6, 95% CI 24.9 to 30.7). Breastfeeding rates at 6 months were 16.6% prepandemic and 20.5% in 2020. When compared with a survey population, the initial intention to breastfeed/not breastfeed only changes for about 10% of women.

CONCLUSION

Women were more likely to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months during the pandemic compared with before or after the pandemic. Arguably, interventions which enable families to spend more time with their baby such as maternal and paternal leave may help improve breastfeeding duration. The biggest predictor of breastfeeding at 6 months was intention to breastfeed. Therefore, targeted interventions during pregnancy to encourage motivation to breastfeed could improve duration of breastfeeding.

A cross-sectional study of infant feeding practices in Vietnamese-born mothers living in Australia

BACKGROUND

Infant feeding practices are a key modifiable risk factor for childhood overweight and obesity; and important for lifelong health and wellbeing. Despite the growing Australian immigrant population, it is unclear how infant feeding practices may differ between ethnicities living in Australia. Few studies have examined the infant feeding practices of Vietnamese mothers who migrate and give birth to infants in Australia - termed Vietnamese-born mothers. The aim of this study was to examine differences in infant feeding practices (breastfeeding, formula feeding and complementary feeding (other fluids and solids)) in Vietnamese-born mothers compared with Australian-born mothers living in Australia.

METHOD

This study analysed the Australian National Infant Feeding Survey dataset (2010-11), a large national cross-sectional survey measuring feeding practices of infants aged 0-24 months old. Infant feeding practices of Vietnamese-born mothers (n = 261) and a random sub-sample of Australian-born mothers (n = 261) were compared. Associations between ethnicity and infant feeding practices were examined through logistic and linear regression adjusting for maternal age, socioeconomic status, body mass index (BMI) at start of pregnancy, infant age at survey completion and parity. Compliance with the Australian national infant feeding guidelines was also assessed.

RESULTS

Compliance with infant feeding guidelines was low, with differences in infant feeding practices between groups. At the time of survey completion, when infants were on average 7.2 months old, compared with infants of Australian-born mothers, infants to Vietnamese-born mothers were significantly younger when first exposed to fruit juice (b = -2.41, 95%CI: -4.54- -0.28); less likely to be exposed to solids (AOR: 0.15, 95%CI: 0.05-0.44) and more likely to be exposed to formula milks (AOR: 2.21, 95%CI: 1.10-4.43); toddler milks (AOR: 16.72, 95%CI: 3.11-90.09) and fruit juice (AOR: 2.37, 95%CI: 1.06-5.32) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Low adherence with breastfeeding (low breastfeeding and high infant formula use) and other fluids (toddler milks and fruit juice) recommendations outlined by the Australian infant feeding guidelines were observed in this group of Vietnamese-born mothers. To optimise feeding and growth in Vietnamese-Australian children, culturally appropriate infant feeding support targeting breastfeeding durations, reducing reliance on infant formula, and reducing inappropriate introduction to other fluids should be the focus of infant feeding promotion within these mothers.