A case report of breastfeeding quadruplets: factors perceived as affecting breastfeeding.

The number of higher-order multiple births in the United States quadrupled between 1970 and 1994. The number of women choosing to breastfeed their higher-order multiples also has risen. In this report, a mother of quadruplets identifies factors and interventions she perceived as having a positive or negative impact on breastfeeding. Maternal motivation coupled with a mother's personal approach to breastfeeding quadruplets may be key factors in shaping breastfeeding outcomes, such as in this case where one quad weaned at 12 months and the remaining three breastfed for 2 1/2 years. With increased discussion of this select population, lactation consultants and other health professionals will be able to develop breastfeeding care plans which reflect this population's unique needs and concerns from the prenatal through postpartum periods.