Incidence and duration of breast-feeding in a health maintenance organization population.

A breast-feeding incidence and duration study in a heterogeneous population confirmed the increased incidence of breast-feeding reported among American women. Of 632 women delivering between May and August of 1980, 66% chose to breast-feed, a decision determined to be significantly related to race, age, marital status, and parity. Cesarean deliveries discouraged breast-feeding, whereas nursing immediately after delivery and keeping the infant in the room during the hospital stay encouraged breast-feeding. Of 417 women who were breast-feeding, 58% had stopped by four months postpartum, a decision found to be related significantly to race, age, and receiving formula in the hospital. Formula supplementation in the hospital was associated with a shorter breast-feeding period. The most rapid decline in breast-feeding occurred in the first two weeks postpartum. Because this is the period in which women are most likely to discontinue breast-feeding, it could be a productive target period for support and assistance by health professionals.