Predictors of Women's Choices in Breastfeeding Initiation and Exclusivity at Six Months

The purpose of this study was to analyze the Canadian Maternal Experiences Survey to determine the predictors of breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding at six months. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess potential predictors. Independent predictors for breastfeeding initiation included: adequate information about feeding, assistance with breastfeeding initiation, postpartum maternal skin contact, baby's location in the first hour after birth, province of birth, maternal immigration, maternal smoking, maternal dissatisfaction with support from her husband/partner during labour, length of time the baby spent in a different room in the first twenty four hours, mother's level of education, and population size. Independent predictors for exclusive breastfeeding at six months were: adequate information received about formula feeding, pacifier use, contact made by a healthcare provider after the birth, marital status, province of birth, mother's return to work, maternal smoking, timing until first breastfeeding, maternal breast pain, maternal age, and prepregnancy BMI.