Title
Infant milk feeding practices in the Netherlands and associated factors
Author
Lanting, C.I.
van Wouwe, J.P.
Reijneveld, S.A.
Publication year
2005
Abstract
Aim: The aim of the study was to describe infant feeding practices and associated factors, and to explore mothers' main reasons for starting and stopping breastfeeding. Methods: We performed a national inquiry into milk feeding practices among 9133 Dutch infants aged <7 mo by means of a questionnaire. Results: 78% of mothers initiated breastfeeding. At 1 and 4 mo, respectively, 51 and 25% of infants were fed primarily on human milk; after 6 mo, only 15% of mothers still provided human milk as the only source of milk feeding. During the whole 6-mo period, another 11 to 18% was fed on both breast and formula milk. Women initiating breastfeeding were more likely to be higher educated, have a higher-educated partner, be non-smokers, have a full-time job, and be primipareous. In addition, breastfeeding initiation rate was higher for women born outside the Netherlands. Longer duration of breastfeeding was mostly found amongst higher-educated, non-smoking women. The odds for continuation of breastfeeding after 4 mo increased when mothers' working hours did not exceed 16 h/wk. Infant delivery at home was associated with a higher initiation rate as well as longer duration of breastfeeding compared to hospital delivery. Infants born after ≥38 wk of gestation, with a birthweight of ≥3500 g had higher odds to be breastfed for a longer period. Conclusion: Only a minority of Dutch infants is breastfed for 6 mo. Maternal and infant characteristics are important predictors of breastfeeding initiation and duration. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group Ltd.
Subject
Health
Demography
Home delivery
Infant feeding
Infants
Artificial milk
Birth weight
Controlled study
Data analysis
Education
Employment
Female
Home delivery
Hospital
Human experiment
Infant
Infant feeding
Male
Maternal behavior
Pregnancy
Questionnaire
Adult
Attitude
Breast Feeding
Decision Making
Educational Status
Female
Home Childbirth
Humans
Infant Formula
Logistic Models
Netherlands
Smoking
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http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:12a3d56a-f2ae-4e46-960a-86e5ecdb778e
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/08035250510036723
TNO identifier
238562
ISSN
0803-5253
Source
Acta Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics, 94 (7), 935-942
Document type
article