Table 3.
Breastfeeding cessation patterns, timing, initiation, reasons, and strategies among mothers (N = 420)
| Cessation pattern | ||
|---|---|---|
| Subcategory | n | % |
| Gradual, starting with night feeds | 67 | 16 |
| Gradual, starting with morning feeds | 109 | 26 |
| Gradual, starting with evening feeds | 167 | 39.8 |
| Abrupt cessation | 77 | 18.3 |
| Total | 420 | 100 |
| Duration of cessation process | ||
| Subcategory | n | % |
| <7 days | 172 | 41 |
| 7–14 days | 134 | 31.9 |
| 15–30 days | 88 | 21 |
| ≥31 days | 26 | 6.2 |
| Total | 420 | 100 |
| Cessation initiation | ||
| Subcategory | n | % |
| Mother-initiated | 363 | 86.4 |
| Baby-initiated | 40 | 9.6 |
| Unplanned (child refusal) | 17 | 4 |
| Total | 420 | 100 |
| Reasons for stopping breastfeeding* | ||
| Reason | n | % |
| Breastfeeding duration perceived as sufficient | 354 | 84.3 |
| Perceived milk insufficiency | 62 | 14.8 |
| Child’s interest in solid foods | 62 | 14.8 |
| Employment | 29 | 6.9 |
| Pressure from others | 24 | 5.7 |
| To improve sexual functioning | 12 | 2.9 |
| Illness of mother or child | 11 | 2.6 |
| Other reasons | 10 | 2.4 |
| New pregnancy | 4 | 1 |
| Strategies used during cessation* | ||
| Strategy | n | % |
| Nutritional strategies | ||
| Increased dairy intake | 160 | 38.1 |
| Increased purees and soft foods | 63 | 15 |
| Increased protein-rich foods | 64 | 15.2 |
| Increased fluid intake | 65 | 15.5 |
| Keeping the child full | 68 | 16.2 |
| Emotional/psychological strategies | ||
| Reduced holding | 60 | 14.3 |
| Distraction through play | 298 | 71 |
| Use of prayer | 27 | 6.4 |
| Choosing a spiritually meaningful time | 17 | 4 |
| Other strategies | 18 | 4.3 |
*Participants could select more than one reason and strategy; therefore, percentages do not sum to 100%