Perinatal factors influencing infant feeding practices at birth: the Bedouin Infant Feeding Study

Bedouin Arab women delivering newborns at Soroka Medical Center, Israel, during 1 year were interviewed in hospital to determine the factors influencing infant feeding practices at birth. Eighty-six per cent breastfed, 11% breast and bottlefed, and 3% bottlefed at birth. Based on a multiple logistic regression analysis, the factors that significantly reduced the odds ratio (OR) of exclusive breastfeeding vs. breast and bottle feeding or bottle feeding at birth include: delivering during the high birth season (OR = 0.49); maternal recall of feeling unwell during pregnancy (OR = 0.59); delivering a low birthweight newborn (OR = 0.10); a newborn diagnosed with major malformations (OR = 0.30) or with major illnesses (OR = 0.32); and delivering by Caesarean section (OR = 0.09). In contrast, multiparae experienced an increased odds (OR = 1.67) of breastfeeding. Among primiparae, the factors that significantly reduced the odds of exclusive breastfeeding include: delivering during the high birth season (OR = 0.47); delivering a low birthweight newborn (OR = 0.12); and delivering by Caesarean section (OR = 0.18). Mothers of high-risk neonates and those who deliver by Caesarean section need to be educated about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. Young primiparae are a challenge and require qualitative and quantitative research into the reasons precluding exclusive breastfeeding.     

不同喂养婴儿方式对产妇产后体重变化的影响

目的 了解妇女生育后喂养方式对体重变化的影响.方法 对孕期和产后4～6个月的孕产妇进行纵向追踪调查,记录体重变化情况.根据产妇在4个月内喂养婴儿的方式分为基本纯母乳喂养组、混合喂养组和人工喂养组,比较各组体重变化情况.结果 产后4个月内基本纯母乳喂养率为63.8％.人工喂养组孕期增重和产后42d、产后4～6个月时体重减少值均显著高于基本纯母乳喂养组(P均＜0.01);产后4～6个月时,基本纯母乳喂养组妇女的体重和体重滞留量均显著低于人工喂养组(P均＜0.05).结论 妇女产后体重滞留与采用不同的喂养婴儿方式有关,进行母乳喂养婴儿的产妇产后体重恢复较慢,但是其孕期增重、产后体重和体重滞留量都较人工喂养者轻.因此,在加强产后纯母乳喂养宣传的同时,也要加强孕前保健知识的宣传.     

我国中西部4省(自治区)农村婴幼儿喂养情况及其影响因素研究

目的了解我国中西部地区农村婴幼儿母乳喂养和辅食添加的现状及其影响因素,为今后有针对性地开展干预提供科学依据。方法采用多阶段分层随机抽样方法,对我国中西部4省(自治区)农村地区1272名婴幼儿进行母乳喂养和辅食添加情况调查。应用SPSS 19.0软件进行分析。结果婴幼儿6个月龄内纯母乳喂养率为70.0%,33.0%的婴幼儿在6个月龄内添加了强化铁米粉。多因素分析,接受过母乳喂养宣传(OR=2.191,95%CI:1.695～2.833)、民族(OR=1.173,95%CI:1.080～1.275)和出生低体重(OR=0.579,95%CI:0.376～0.892)与6个月龄内是否纯母乳喂养有关联;民族(OR=1.141,95%CI:1.047～1.242)和婴幼儿贫血(OR=1.406,95%CI:1.054～1.877)与添加强化铁米粉有关联。结论我国中西部农村地区纯母乳喂养率有待提高,辅食添加不合理,应通过电视、广播、热线电话等方式宣传通俗易懂的科学喂养知识,提高母乳喂养率,促进合理喂养。     

The Bedouin Infant Feeding Study: study design and factors influencing the duration of breast feeding.

A longitudinal study of infant feeding practices, growth and morbidity among Bedouin Arab infants residing in the Negev, Israel, was conducted during a 3-year period (1981-1983). Follow-up samples were restricted to healthy newborns. The majority of newborns are breast fed at birth but, by 2 months, 50% are also introduced to a milk supplement. Based on the bivariate analysis using the logrank test to examine the factors associated with exclusive versus partial breast feeding during the first 6 months, those born during the wet cool months are exclusively breast fed longer than those born during the dry season. More traditional women, living in tents rather than houses or huts, exclusively breast feed for at least 6 months. In a multiple logistic regression model, parity, house type and birth season are independently associated with the odds of exclusively breast feeding for the first 6 months of life. Factors influencing the duration of any breast feeding for the first 18 months include: house type, place of residence, birthweight, and whether the infant was stunted at 6 months.     

The Bedouin Infant Feeding Study: study design and factors influencing the duration of breast feeding

Summary. A longitudinal study of infant feeding practices, growth and morbidity among Bedouin Arab infants residing in the Negev, Israel, was conducted during a 3-year period (1981–1983). Follow-up samples were restricted to healthy newborns. The majority of newborns are breast fed at birth but, by 2 months, 50% are also introduced to a milk supplement. Based on the bivariate analysis using the logrank test to examine the factors associated with exclusive versus partial breast feeding during the first 6 months, those born during the wet cool months are exclusively breast fed longer than those born during the dry season. More traditional women, living in tents rather than houses or huts, exclusively breast feed for at least 6 months. In a multiple logistic regression model, parity, house type and birth season are independently associated with the odds of exclusively breast feeding for the first 6 months of life. Factors influencing the duration of any breast feeding for the first 18 months include: house type, place of residence, birthweight, and whether the infant was stunted at 6 months.     

Determinants of infant feeding method in relation to risk factors for breast cancer

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is considered to be an important factor for maternal and children's health. However, the epidemiological findings related to the effect of breastfeeding on women's health, especially with respect to breast cancer development, are inconsistent. Determinants of infant feeding method may contribute to the inconsistency. METHODS: A total of 24,769 women aged 40-64 in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, responded to a self-administered questionnaire survey in 1990. Using the data obtained from 22,085 parous women, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) for the choice of "breastfeeding only" during reproductive period. RESULTS: Late age at menarche (> or = 16 years, OR = 1.57) and high body mass index (BMI) at 20 years of age (> or = 24, OR = 1.31) were associated with the choice of breastfeeding only. Late age at birth of first child (> or = 28 years, OR = 0.29), history of breast cancer in mother (OR = 0.68), and high educational level (more than a high school education, OR = 0.53) reduced the possibility of choosing breastfeeding only. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the choice of infant feeding method is associated with several breast cancer risk factors. Based on this finding, we should construct appropriate breast cancer risk models for parous women and investigate the changes in the effects of breastfeeding and other breast cancer risk factors among these risk models. Especially in a risk model controlling for breastfeeding, the effects of other breast cancer risk factors should be reevaluated. Through comparisons among different risk models, we may find the best-fitted risk model and identify the true effect of breastfeeding.     

住院期间母乳喂养服务对产褥期纯母乳喂养行为的影响

目的 分析上海市某区产妇住院期间母乳喂养服务对产褥期纯母乳喂养行为的影响。 方法 在全区随机抽取13家社区卫生中心中的5家儿保门诊,招募1月龄的婴儿母亲进行问卷调查。 结果 共收集到合格问卷456份,住院期间母婴同室率为96.1%;11.4%没有使用奶瓶、奶粉;45.2%的婴儿产后1 h内吸吮母乳,分娩后30 min内开始母婴早接触率为47.6%。住院期间纯母乳喂养率23.9%,1月龄婴儿纯母乳喂养率55.3%。多元logistics回归分析显示,出生后第一口食物为母乳的婴儿在出生后一个月的纯母乳喂养率较高(aOR=1.932,95%CI:1.254～2.978,P=0.003)。分娩后30 min内进行母婴接触的婴儿在出生后一个月的纯母乳喂养率较高(aOR=1.624,95%CI:1.033～2.552,P=0.036)。 结论 住院期间母乳喂养服务与产褥期纯母乳喂养行为密切相关,需加强爱婴医院长效管理机制的落实,提升母乳喂养服务质量,提高纯母乳喂养率。     

Factors associated with maternal knowledge of newborn care among hospital-delivered mothers in Sri Lanka

The aim of this study was to assess mothers' knowledge on newborn care as well as factors associated with poor knowledge. A cross-sectional study sampled 446 mother-newborn pairs from five hospitals in the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka by stratified random sampling. Maternal knowledge on newborn care was assessed using a questionnaire with 50 statements via exit interview. A knowledge score was created by allocating 1 point for each correct response, which was dichotomised as 'satisfactory' or 'poor' by the median score. Only 21.7% correctly answered that 'surgical spirit' (70% isopropyl alcohol) should not be applied on the umbilical stump. More than 90% of mothers knew about breastfeeding on demand, the advantages of colostrum and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Except for a few conditions, mothers demonstrated a satisfactory knowledge in recognising danger signs of the newborn. According to multivariate analysis, primiparae (odds ratio (OR)=2.31; 95% CI 1.53-3.50), unemployed women (OR=3.31; 95% CI 1.89-5.80) and those with delayed antenatal booking visits (OR=2.02; 95% CI 1.26-2.23) were more likely to have poor knowledge. In conclusion, mothers had a satisfactory level of knowledge about breastfeeding and recognition of danger signs, but knowledge about care of the umbilical cord was poor. Maternal education programmes should place more emphasis on first-time mothers, unemployed women and those with delayed booking visits.     

Breastfeeding rates and duration in Germany: a Bavarian cohort study

Breastfeeding is the recommended feeding for all healthy infants. The aim of our study was to assess the current state of breastfeeding prevalence, duration and behaviour in Bavaria, Germany as a basis for targeting breastfeeding promotion measures. The Bavarian Breastfeeding Study is a prospective cohort study of 3822 mothers who delivered in April 2005 in Bavaria, Germany. Breastfeeding duration and determinants such as socioeconomic status, attitudes towards breastfeeding, birth mode and breastfeeding problems were assessed by questionnaires 2-6 d after birth and 2, 4, 6, and 9 months after birth. The initial breastfeeding rate was 90 %. After 4 months 61 % still breastfed (any breastfeeding). In the multivariate analyses the main influencing factor reducing breastfeeding initiation was the partner's negative attitude towards breastfeeding (OR 21.79; 95 % CI 13.46, 35.27). No initial breastfeeding was also associated with lower education, maternal grandmother's negative attitude and pre-term birth. Protective factors were primary breastfeeding experience and information on breastfeeding before birth. Breastfeeding duration < 4 months was strongly associated with breastfeeding problems (OR 7.56; 95 % CI 6.21, 9.19), smoking, lower education, partner's negative attitude and Caesarean section. Since the attitude of family members is an important influencing factor on breastfeeding rates, breastfeeding promotion should also target the partners of pregnant women and the families of newborn infants. Public health interventions such as more effective support for the management of breastfeeding problems, especially in lower social status families, should be implemented and their effectiveness should be critically evaluated.     

Breastfeeding by Aboriginal mothers in Perth

Objective: To document the breastfeeding practices of Aboriginal mothers delivering in Perth. Design and methods: A cohort of mothers was followed from the time of delivery for six months to obtain details of infant feeding practices. Subjects: A total of 455 mothers delivered during the study period and were asked to participate. A total of 425 mothers completed the initial questionnaire. Setting: The study was undertaken in six public hospitals in Perth, Western Australia. Data analyses: The data were analysed using spss . Breastfeeding duration was calculated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Main outcome measures: Breastfeeding initiation and duration. Results: The mean age of the Aboriginal mothers was 21.8 years (range 14–39 years, SD 5.32) and the average gestational age was 38.3 weeks. Almost 50% of the mothers in the study delivered by Caesarean section. At discharge from hospital 89.4% (CI 86.6–92.1) of mothers were breastfeeding, declining to 58.8% (CI 53.5–64.1) at six months. When compared with non‐Aboriginal mothers, the Aboriginal breastfeeding rates were higher than the non‐Aboriginal average breastfeeding rates, but lower than the highest socioeconomic group. Conclusions: The breastfeeding rates of Aboriginal mothers are higher than for other Australians. This is despite the low maternal age and level of education and the high rates of low‐birth‐weight infants and Caesarean section among this population. The World Health Organization recommendation for infant feeding is exclusive breastfeeding until six months, but less than one‐third of Aboriginal mothers achieved this recommendation.     

Factors influencing milk insufficiency and its long-term health effects: the Bedouin Infant Feeding Study.

Women who breastfeed have frequently reported milk insufficiency as the reason for introducing the bottle, but no one has addressed its potential long-term health effects. This paper described the factors associated with milk insufficiency versus another reason for introducing the bottle and its potential health effects based on an analysis of a prospective cohort study of 1005 Bedouin Arab women who delivered healthy newborns in 1981 and 1982. By two months postpartum, 72% introduced the infant to the bottle with 72% reporting milk insufficiency as the reason for introducing the bottle. The percentage of milk insufficiency declined with increasing age of the infant. Based on multiple logistic regression analyses, birth season was statistically significantly associated with the odds ratio (OR) of milk insufficiency versus another reason for introducing the bottle during the first two months. Women who delivered in the spring-summer had an increased OR = 1.65 of reported milk insufficiency compared with those who delivered during the rest of the year. Parity was directly related to the OR = 1.04 of milk insufficiency (but just missed significance) during one to two months and was statistically significantly associated with the OR = 1.12 of reported milk insufficiency during 3-18 months. The rates of stunting after the infant was introduced to the bottle and the duration of breastfeeding did not differ by reason for introducing the bottle. Thus the high frequency of reported milk insufficiency was not associated with adverse health effects.     

Feeding Neonates by Cup: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Objective WHO and UNICEF recommend cup feeding for neonates unable to breastfeed in low-resource settings. In developed countries, cup feeding in lieu of bottle feeding in the neonatal period is hypothesized to improve breastfeeding outcomes for those initially unable to breastfeed. Our aim was to synthesize the entire body of evidence on cup feeding. Methods We searched domestic and international databases for original research. Our search criteria required original data on cup feeding in neonates published in English between January 1990 and December 2014. Results We identified 28 original research papers. Ten were randomized clinical trials, 7 non-randomized intervention studies, and 11 observational studies; 11 were conducted in developing country. Outcomes evaluated included physiologic stability, safety, intake, duration, spillage, weight gain, any and exclusive breastfeeding, length of hospital stay, compliance, and acceptability. Cup feeding appears to be safe though intake may be less and spillage greater relative to bottle or tube feeding. Overall, slightly higher proportions of cup fed versus bottle fed infants report any breastfeeding; a greater proportion of cup fed infants reported exclusive breastfeeding at discharge and beyond. Cup feeding increases breastfeeding in subgroups (e.g. those who intend to breastfeed or women who had a Caesarean section). Compliance and acceptability is problematic in certain settings. Conclusions Further research on long-term breastfeeding outcomes and in low-resource settings would be helpful. Research data on high risk infants (e.g. those with cleft palates) would be informative. Innovative cup feeding approaches to minimize spillage, optimize compliance, and increase breastfeeding feeding are needed.     

Prenatal risk factors for Caesarean section. Analyses of the ALSPAC cohort of 12,944 women in England

BACKGROUND: There has been an escalation in Caesarean section rates globally. Numerous prenatal factors have been associated with elective and emergency Caesarean section, some of which may be amenable to change. METHODS: A population-based cohort of 12,944 singleton, liveborn, term pregnancies were used to investigate risk factors for Caesarean section using multivariable logistic regression modelling. Numerous prenatal factors were investigated for their associations with the following outcomes: first, with Caesarean section (both elective and emergency) compared with vaginal delivery (spontaneous and assisted); second, for their associations with elective Caesarean section compared with attempted vaginal delivery; and finally emergency Caesarean section compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery. RESULTS: 11,791 women had vaginal delivery and 1153 had Caesarean section (685 emergency, 468 elective). Non-cephalic (breech) presentation (all Caesareans odds ratio (OR) 36.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 26.8-50.0; elective Caesarean OR 86.4, 95% CI 58.5-127.8; emergency Caesarean OR 9.58, 95% CI 6.06-15.1) and previous Caesarean section (all Caesareans OR 27.8, 95% CI 20.9-37.0, elective Caesarean OR 54.4, 95% CI 38.4-77.5; emergency Caesarean OR 13.0, 95% CI 7.76-21.7) were associated in all analyses with an increased risk of Caesarean section. Extremes of neonatal birthweight were associated with an increased risk of Caesarean section (all Caesareans and emergency section) compared with vaginal delivery as was increasing neonatal head circumferences. In all analyses increasing maternal age (OR 1.07 per year, 95 % CI 1.04-1.09; OR 1.04 per year, 95 % CI 1.01-1.08; OR 1.11 per year, 95% CI 1.08-1.15) was independently associated with increased odds of Caesarean section. Increasing parity was associated with a decrease in risk for all Caesareans and emergency section (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.53-0.75 and OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.33-0.63, respectively), as was the outcome of the last pregnancy being a live child. Increasing gestation was independently associated with a decreased risk of both all Caesareans and elective Caesarean (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80-0.93 and OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.46-0.58 respectively), whereas diabetes mellitus was associated with increased risk. These variables were not associated with emergency section. However, epidural use was associated with an increased risk of emergency Caesarean (OR 6.49, 95% CI 4.78-8.82) while being in a preferred labour position decreased the risk (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.49-0.73). CONCLUSIONS: A careful exploration of risk factors may allow us to identify reasons for the increasing rates of Caesarean section and the marked variation between institutions.     

An educational intervention on promotion of breast feeding

This study was designed to search for an effective method to promote exclusive breast feeding among Turkish city women delivering in hospitals. Four hundred and forty-two primiparae with uncomplicated deliveries and with healthy infants with birthweights of greater than 2500 g were exposed to a group educational session on breast feeding after birth, followed by one repeat session at home. Four hundred and ninety-nine women served as controls. All homes were visited monthly for 6 months by independent observers and data relevant to the feeding of the infants were collected. Weight measurements of 176 infants were taken at age 4 months. The study and control mothers were similar in sociodemographic characteristics which reflected a low socio-economic/educational background but relatively good housing conditions. Although significant differences in frequency of exclusive breast feeding were found between the study and control groups, the impact of the intervention was much lower than our expectations and short-lived. Type of feeding was not related to sex or birthweight of the infant, nor to maternal variables. Weight at age 4 months was within normal limits and similar in the study and control groups. It was concluded that lack of up-to-date information on infant feeding was the main obstacle to breast feeding in urban groups in Turkey, and that the impact of an educational intervention limited to the first week after delivery was lost within the first 2 months.     

Breastfeeding practices and associated factors among children under 24 months of age in Timor-Leste

OBJECTIVE: To describe breastfeeding practices and to assess the sociodemographic factors associated with selected breastfeeding indicators. DESIGN AND SETTING: The 2003 Demographic and Health Survey was a multi-stage cluster sample survey of 4320 households from four different geographic areas in Timor-Leste. SUBJECTS: A total of 2162 children aged 0-23 months. RESULTS: A high proportion (97.6%) of infants had been ever breastfed, but only 46.1% had initiated breastfeeding within the first hour of birth. Seventy-eight percent of children <24 months were currently breastfed, 30.7% of infants <6 months were exclusively breastfed and 12.5% of infants <12 months were bottle-fed. A high proportion of infants of 6-9 months (82.0%) were receiving complementary food in addition to breast milk. Multivariate analysis revealed that exclusive breastfeeding was significantly lower in the rural west region (odds ratio (OR)=3.15) compared to the urban region, and among those from richest households (OR=1.90) compared to poorest. Mothers with primary education were significantly more likely to exclusively breastfeed than mothers with no education (OR=0.62). Increasing age of the infant was associated with significantly less current (OR=1.23) and exclusive (OR=1.35) breastfeeding. Continuation of breastfeeding at the end of the first year was significantly lower in non-working mothers (OR=1.58) compared to working mothers, and among infants born in health-care facilities (OR=2.16) than those born at home. CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding practices in Timor-Leste were satisfactory, except the exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months. However, more socioeconomically privileged groups demonstrated a poorer breastfeeding performance than disadvantaged groups. Further breastfeeding promotion programmes are needed across all population groups, and should include health-care providers and maternity institutions.     

贵州省0～6月龄婴儿纯母乳喂养影响因素分析

目的 探究贵州省0～6月龄婴儿纯母乳喂养的影响因素,为后期母乳喂养政策制定提供科学依据。方法 于2021年3—6月,采用分层整群抽样,抽取贵州省3个市（州）9个县1 298名0～6月龄婴儿母亲进行问卷调查。运用决策树CHAID模型和二元logistic回归模型分析影响纯母乳喂养的相关因素。结果 贵州省0～6月龄婴儿纯母乳喂养率为55.62%,logistic回归分析结果显示母亲未就业（OR = 1.563,95%CI:1.127～2.169）、母亲上过孕妇学校或相关的孕产教育课程（OR = 1.515,95%CI:1.132～2.028）、出生后母婴同室（OR = 1.851,95%CI:1.165～2.939）、早开奶（OR = 2.539,95%CI:1.776～3.630）是纯母乳喂养的保护因素。婴儿住院时喝过奶粉（OR = 0.365,95%CI:0.258～0.517）、母亲接受过添加婴儿配方奶粉的建议（OR = 0.445,95%CI:0.345～0.575）是纯母乳喂养的危险因素。决策树CHAID 模型分析结果显示,住院时婴儿是否喝过奶粉是纯母乳喂养的首要危险因素,其次是母亲接受过添加配方奶粉的建议、母亲未上过孕妇学校或相关的孕产教育课程。结论 贵州纯母乳喂养现状良好但院内婴幼儿奶粉喂养率高,母亲受奶粉营销影响较大、母亲母乳喂养知识与技能薄弱,有待提升。     

Cesarean section and breastfeeding outcomes in an Indigenous Qom community with high breastfeeding support

Background and objectivesCesarean section may lead to suboptimal breastfeeding outcomes, though evidence has been mixed. Factors, such as premature birth, birth weight and maternal age may independently increase risk of cesarean and hinder breastfeeding initiation, while maternal preferences, support and sociostructural barriers may influence breastfeeding practices beyond the immediate postpartum period.MethodologyWe assessed impacts of cesarean section and gestational factors on breastfeeding duration among Indigenous Qom mothers in Argentina who have strong traditional breastfeeding support. We modeled transitions from exclusive breastfeeding to complementary feeding and from complementary feeding to full weaning in a Bayesian time-to-event framework with birth mode and gestational covariates (n = 89 infants).ResultsEstimated median time to full weaning was 30 months. Cesarean-delivered babies were weaned an average of 5 months later adjusting for gestational age, maternal parity and infant sex. No factors were associated with time-to-complementary feeding, and time-to-complementary feeding was not associated with time-to-full weaning.Conclusions and implicationsAmong Indigenous Qom mothers in Argentina, cesarean section was not associated with suboptimal breastfeeding outcomes. Although some Qom mothers do experience early breastfeeding problems, particularly following first birth, problems are not more frequent following cesarean delivery. Traditional postpartum kin and community support during prolonged postpartum periods may be instrumental in helping mothers to overcome early breastfeeding problems due to cesarean or other risk factors.     

Rapid assessment of current infant feeding practices in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil

This paper describes a rapid assessment of current infant feeding practices conducted during a mass immunization campaign in an urban area of S?o José do Rio Preto, S?o Paulo State, Brazil. Parents or guardians of all infants (<1 year) attending the 8 randomly-selected health centers were interviewed. Median duration of breastfeeding practices was estimated by probit analysis. Of the 719 infants, 692 (96.2%) began breastfeeding, and only 63 (8.9%) were in exclusive breastfeeding. Median duration of total breastfeeding (exclusive plus partial) was 205.93 days. Infants born by cesarean section showed a higher risk of early weaning: OR (95%CI)=1.51 (1.09-2.09) after adjusting for confounding variables (mother's educational level, gestational age, birth weight, whether breastfed). Median duration of total breastfeeding was higher among infants born by vaginal delivery (227.38 days; 95%CI=195.19-271.16) as compared to cesarean section (192.84 days; 95%CI=128.23-273.34). Early introduction of weaning foods such as water/herbal tea and cow's milk was observed with a median age at introduction of 30 days. These findings indicate the need to improve strategies by the public health services to promote exclusive breastfeeding.     

For a better promotion of the breast-feeding

OBJECTIVE: Breast feeding has many advantages. Our objective is to determine influential factors on duration of exclusive breast feeding until 6 months of age and total breast feeding until 2 years. METHODS: A retrospective transversal study was made on 271 mothers of children aged between 2 and 5 years. The objective of study was to determinate factors which influence duration of exclusive and total breastfeeding. Epi-info was used to size and to analyse results, odds ratio and confiding intervals were calculated. Logistic regression method was also used. RESULTS AND COMMENTS: Duration of exclusive breastfeeding was longer when mother instruction was less than higher school (3.4 months versus 2.9 months, p < 0.01), if there were not any maternal complications on breastfeeding period (4.3 months versus 3.1 months, p < 0.001). Duration of total breast feeding was longer when cow milk was introduced later and child sucking was important (more than 6 times a day). There was no correlation between weight and length of children and duration of breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: We recommend promotion of breastfeeding.     

Caesarean sections and breastfeeding initiation among migrants in Switzerland

Summary Objectives: Twenty-six percent of all women giving birth in Switzerland are of non-Swiss nationality. Differences in reproductive health outcomes such as preterm deliveries, Caesarean sections, and breastfeeding initiation for mother-child pairs of various nationalities are investigated, and the influence of the educational level was assessed. In order to identify trans-national differences, national breastfeeding rates from 22 countries and Caesarean section rates from 24 countries were compared to the rates in Swiss hospitals. Study Sample: Drawing on routinely collected monitoring data, 37 332 mother-child pairs from various nationalities, who delivered in Swiss Baby-Friendly hospitals between 2000 and 2002, were included in the study. All nationalities with at least 150 deliveries were coded individually, while the remaining were summarised in regional groups. Results: Sub-Saharan African, Latin American and Asian mothers had higher rates of Caesarean sections compared to Swiss mothers (OR = 1.77, 95 % CI 1.49–2.22; OR = 1.80, 1.51–2.17; OR = 1.37, 1.18.1.59). African and Asian children were at an increased risk of being transferred to neonatal care units (OR = 1.48, 95 % CI 1.19–1.83; OR = 1.45, 1.21–1.73;). In addition, infants from Balkan countries, who showed lowest Caesarean section rates, were also more likely to be transferred to an ICU (OR = 1.30, 95 % CI 1.12–1.52). Apart from the country or region of origin, the maternal educational level was an important influence and modified the effect of the mother’s nationality. Mothers from all regions, apart from Western Europe, were significantly more likely to breastfeed their children after being discharged. Established determinants for breastfeeding duration, including feeding exclusively with breast milk in maternity wards, early initiation of breastfeeding, rooming-in and pacifier use, varied according to nationality. The comparison of Caesarean section and breastfeeding rates with the rates in the mother’s country of origin additionally investigates the relation between reproductive health outcomes of migrant women in Switzerland compared to their country of origin. In both cases, a significant rank correlation (Spearman) could be established between the rate in Swiss hospitals and the rate in the mother’s country of origin (P < 0.001, P = 0.04). Conclusions: Our data confirms inequalities in reproductive health outcomes and responses to health promotion programmes among migrant women in Switzerland. These differences are dependent on educational level and on the mothers’ nationality. The large variation suggests that different trans-national experiences play some role in health-related decision-making and access to health care. This should be considered when planning health promotion programs and the individual counselling of pregnant mothers in Switzerland. Submitted: 7 March 2006; Revised: 28 October 2006; Accepted: 19 February 2007