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Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique logoLink to Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique
. 1999 Nov 1;90(6):408–411. doi: 10.1007/BF03404147

Breastfeeding Outcomes of Women Following Uncomplicated Birth in Hamilton-Wentworth

Debbie Sheehan 114,214,✉, Bonnie Bridle 114,214, Tracey Hillier 314, Kate Feightner 414, Sarah Hayward 414, Kyong-Soon Lee 514,814, Paul Krueger 614,714, Wendy Sword 214,414, Marilyn James 114
PMCID: PMC6980122  PMID: 10680268

Abstract

Objective: To examine infant feeding practices up to 8 weeks postpartum in Hamilton-Wentworth.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 227 women using a pre-discharge, selfadministered questionnaire, medical record review and follow-up telephone interview.

Results: Breastfeeding initiation rate was 85%. By 6–8 weeks postpartum, 30% of women had stopped breastfeeding; 55% had switched to formula within the first 14 days. Infants who did not receive supplementation in hospital were 2.49 times more likely than infants who received supplementation to breastfeed for at least 6 weeks. Although 54% of mothers who initiated breastfeeding reported receiving formula gift packs, no association was found.

Conclusions: The breastfeeding initiation rate appears to have increased in Hamilton-Wentworth since 1995. However, this study reinforces the need to address early cessation and infant supplementation, and raises concern about violation of the WHO/UNICEF International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes through mailing of formula coupons.

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