Table 3.
Significant Predictors of Breastfeeding Duration (BFD) (Controlling for Maternal Demographics)
| Variables | Estimated effect on BFD (in months) | 95% CI (for the effect) | P-value |
|---|---|---|---|
| General variables | |||
| Maternal BFD goal | 0.86 increase in BFD for each 1 month increase in BFD goal | (0.642, 1.08) | <0.001 |
| Infant feeding method at birth | <0.001 | ||
| Exclusive BF | 8.2 increase in BFD compared to formula only | (4.17, 12.10) | <0.001 |
| Combination (BF & formula) | 3.0 increase in BFD compared to formula only | (0.951, 4.95) | 0.003 |
| Infant-feeding method consistency | 2.5 increase in BFD if reported consistent infant feeding method during 30 days postpartum | (0.589, 4.37) | 0.011 |
| Work-related variables | |||
| Maternity leave | 0.14 increase in BFD for each week increase in total maternity leave (paid and unpaid) | (0.042, 0.233) | 0.005 |
| Maternity leave make-up | 3.6 increase in BFD if mother did not report requirement to make up missed call or work | (0.690, 6.54) | 0.016 |
| Collegial support of Milk Expression at Work (MW) | 1.3 increase in BFD for each unit increase in score on this question | (0.366, 2.25) | 0.007 |
| Program director or chief’s support of MW | 1.1 increase in BFD for each unit increase in score on this question | (0.263, 1.90) | 0.010 |
| Reported “perceived special favors” influenced collegial non-support of MW | 3.5 decrease in BFD if answered “yes” | (−6.77, −0.145) | 0.041 |
| Weaning-related variables | |||
| BF weaning due to infant health | 6.6 increase in BFD if answered “no” | (1.57, 11.7) | 0.011 |
| BF weaning due to infant lack of interest in BF | 2.17 decrease in BFD if answered “yes” | (−4.16, −0.200) | 0.031 |
| BF weaning for inadequate time | 2.9 increase in BFD if answered “no” | (0.616, 5.12) | 0.013 |
| BF weaning for inadequate milk | 3.3 increase in BFD if answered “no” | (1.32, 5.29) | 0.001 |
| BF weaning due to other reason* | 3.4 increase in BFD if answered “yes” | (1.70, 5.01) | <0.001 |
*
Mothers were asked the reason for breastfeeding cessation for each of their children. The choices were “Mother not interested in breastfeeding,” “Mother not comfortable with breastfeeding,” “Lack of adequate milk supply,” “Too stressful,” “Lack of time,” Maternal health,” “Infant health,” “Infant not interested in breastfeeding,” and “Other.” Reporting “other” reasons for breastfeeding cessation than those listed was associated with a 3.3-month increase in breastfeeding duration.