Abstract
A cross-sectional study compared 100 breastfeeding and 100 non-breastfeeding new mothers in order to investigate the relationship between mothers' choice of breastfeeding and support from health professionals and lay people, taking into account potentially confounding sociodemographic influences. The importance of the male partners' opinion about breastfeeding was also examined. A favorable attitude of partners towards breastfeeding was the most important factor associated with breastfeeding (odds ratio=32.8). Prenatal class attendance and breastfeeding support from lay people increased the odds of breastfeeding 2.7 and 3.3 times, respectively. Breastfeeding orientation provided by doctors, nurses, and nutritionists was not associated with the maternal decision to breastfeed. The results point toward the need for reevaluation of prenatal care interventions, inclusion of fathers in breastfeeding educational programs, and emphasis on community-based programs.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 157-161 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Human Lactation |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 1994 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- breastfeeding support
- fathers' support
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Obstetrics and Gynecology