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BMC Pediatrics
Published in: BMC Pediatrics 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research article

Predictors of exclusive breastfeeding: observations from the Alberta pregnancy outcomes and nutrition (APrON) study

Authors: Mahsa Jessri, Anna P Farmer, Katerina Maximova, Noreen D Willows, Rhonda C Bell, APrON Study Team

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

Despite growing evidence that supports the importance of 6-month exclusive breastfeeding, few Canadian mothers adhere to this, and early weaning onto solids is a common practice. This study assessed infant feeding transitions during the first 6 months postpartum and factors that predicted exclusive breastfeeding to 3 and 6 months.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was part of the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition study (APrON). From an initial sample of 600 pregnant women recruited from Edmonton and Calgary, 402 mothers provided complete details at 3 months postpartum; 300 stayed on to provide information at 6 months postpartum. During pregnancy and at 3 and 6 months postpartum, data on maternal and infant socio-demographic, behavior, and feeding were collected.

Results

Even though there was a high rate of “ever having breastfed” (98.6%), exclusive breastfeeding rates for 3 and 6 months were 54.0% and 15.3%, respectively. After controlling for potential confounders, the study showed that mothers who held post-graduate university degrees were 3.76 times more likely to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months than those without a university degree (95% CI: 1.30-10.92; p = 0.015). In addition, mother of previous children were more likely to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.08-4.52; p = 0.031). Mothers who were in the highest quartile of the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Score were 4.29 and 5.40 times more likely to breastfeed exclusively for 3 months (95% CI: 1.31-14.08; p-trend < 0.001) and 6 months (95% CI: 2.75-10.60; P-trend < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

The 6-month exclusive breastfeeding rate in Alberta is considerably below national and international breastfeeding recommendations. Professional advice that focuses on prenatal maternal knowledge, attitudes, and misperceptions may promote adherence to World Health Organization breastfeeding guidelines. Knowing that exclusive breastfeeding is less likely to take place among lower-educated, primiparous women may help health practitioners focus their support and education for this group.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Predictors of exclusive breastfeeding: observations from the Alberta pregnancy outcomes and nutrition (APrON) study
Authors
Mahsa Jessri
Anna P Farmer
Katerina Maximova
Noreen D Willows
Rhonda C Bell
APrON Study Team
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2431-13-77

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