Exclusive breastfeeding in hospital predicts longer breastfeeding duration in Canada: Implications for health equity
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AbstractBackgroundBreastfeeding has many established health benefits for women and children. We examined the association between maternal education, newborn feeding in hospital, and long‐term breastfeeding duration.MethodsWe studied 3195 Canadian mother‐infant dyads in the CHILD pregnancy cohort. Newborn feeding was documented from hospital records. Caregivers reported sociodemographic factors and infant feeding at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.ResultsOverall, 97% of newborns initiated breastfeeding and 74% were exclusively breastfed in hospital. Exclusively breastfed newborns were ultimately breastfed longer compared with those who received formula supplementation during their hospital stay (median 11.0 vs 7.0 months, P < .001). After controlling for maternal age, ethnicity, birth mode, and gestational age, exclusively breastfed newborns had a 21% reduced risk of breastfeeding cessation (HR = 0.79, 0.71‐0.87). This effect was strongest among women without a postsecondary education (HR = 0.65, 0.53‐0.79).DiscussionExclusive breastfeeding in hospital is associated with longer breastfeeding duration, particularly among women of lower socioeconomic status. Initiatives that support exclusive breastfeeding of newborns in hospital could improve long‐term breastfeeding rates and help reduce health inequities arising in early life.
