The relationship between vulnerability factors and breastfeeding outcome.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether vulnerability factors (confidence with breastfeeding, postpartum depression, supplementation, and perceived adequacy of support) are associated with breastfeeding outcome at 6 weeks postpartum after controlling for age and education.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional telephone survey at 6 weeks postpartum.

SETTING

Ottawa-Carleton, Ontario, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

A proportionate, consecutive sample of breastfeeding women from each of four hospitals in the region (526/554, 95% response rate).

METHODS

Stratified bivariate analyses were used to examine the relationship between each factor and breastfeeding outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analyses examined relationships between all factors and breastfeeding outcome.

RESULTS

In the logistic regression analyses, confidence with breastfeeding (odds ratio: 1.85, 95% confidence interval: 1.50-2.27, p < .001) and postpartum depression (odds ratio: 0.28, 95% confidence interval: 0.11-0.71, p= .007) were related to breastfeeding after controlling for age and education.

CONCLUSIONS

Support for breastfeeding should include assessment of maternal confidence with breastfeeding and postpartum depression. Evaluation of intervention strategies to address these vulnerability factors is a priority.