Breast feeding initiation and duration: comparison of French and German mothers

Background

approximately 56% of babies in France are breast fed at birth compared with approximately 91% in Germany. Few studies have compared these neighbouring countries despite the similarities in their social systems.

Objectives

to compare breast-feeding initiation and duration from birth to 3 months post partum between French and German mothers, as well as reasons for breast-feeding cessation in the first 3 months.

Design

mothers were contacted twice during the study: immediately after childbirth and at 3 months post partum.

Participants

126 French mothers were recruited during their maternity stay in hospital, and 80 German women were recruited by their midwives and contacted via regular mail. All women were primiparous.

Methods

breast-feeding rates at birth and 3 months post partum were collected and compared. In addition, reasons for breast-feeding cessation in the first 3 months were explored and analysed.

Results

96% of German women initiated breast feeding at birth and 83% were still breast feeding at 3 months post partum. In comparison, 67% of French women initiated breast feeding at birth and 34% were still breast feeding at 3 months post partum.

Conclusion

there is a need for postnatal follow-up care for French mothers who breast feed. Follow-up care available for German mothers shows encouraging results.