Factors associated with the cessation of exclusive breastfeeding among a select group of Newfoundland mothers

Warren, Sylvia Renee (1998) Factors associated with the cessation of exclusive breastfeeding among a select group of Newfoundland mothers. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with the cessation of exclusive breastfeeding among a select group of Newfoundland mothers. This was accomplished through a secondary analysis of a comprehensive study of infant feeding practices in Newfoundland and Labrador during the first six months of life. -- A subset of the randomly selected sample from the primary investigation was chosen. It consisted of 265 Newfoundland mothers who were exclusively breastfeeding their infants at hospital discharge. In the primary investigation, data were collected prospectively during four structured interviews. Two questionnaires were used for data collection. -- Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used to analyze the data. Results showed that at one month 36.2% of the mothers had discontinued exclusive breastfeeding. This percentage increased to 61.1% at four months, and to 72.4% at six months. The first week postpartum was the most common time reported for the cessation of exclusive breastfeeding, with 13.2% of mothers discontinuing at this time. At one month most mothers ceased exclusive breastfeeding because of difficulties with this method of feeding, because the baby was not satisfied with breastmilk, or to supplement and get a break. At four and six months the majority of mothers discontinued exclusive breastfeeding because they were returning to work, school, or university. Significant relationships between the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and selected factors were identified when four different subgroups of women were compared. These were women who discontinued exclusive breastfeeding in the early, intermediate, and later postpartum period, and those who continued exclusive breastfeeding beyond six months. Significant factors included maternal age, education, living status, income, infant birth weight, introducing the infant to solid food at four and six months, previous experience with breastfeeding, and having had a prenatal discussion about infant feeding methods with one's mother, sister, or the public health nurse. -- Findings revealed that most Newfoundland mothers discontinued exclusive breastfeeding long before the recommended time, and that the first month postpartum was especially difficult for mothers. Results can be used to target areas for future nursing intervention.

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