Abstract
The purpose of this paper was to identify factors associated with breastfeeding among mothers of children born in 1994 in five of the low income communities participating in the longitudinal prevention initiative “Better Beginnings, Better Futures.” Household income was < poverty line for 76%, 63% had completed high school or beyond, and 29% were born outside of Canada. The breastfeeding initiation rate was 77% (380 of 493). Of the 270 women who initiated breastfeeding and were interviewed up to five months postpartum, 63% continued for at least three months. Women with higher education, married, not experiencing financial stress and who attended prenatal classes were more likely to initiate breastfeeding. Continuation of breastfeeding was associated with older age, higher education, not smoking, and participation in a home visitor program. Breastfeeding promotion strategies should include ongoing support as well as education components.
Résumé
Cette étude avait pour objet de déterminer les facteurs associés à l’allaitement chez les mères d’enfants nés en 1994 dans cinq des communautés à faibles revenus participant à une initiative de prévention longitudinale intitulée «Better Beginnings, Better Futures». Le revenu familial était inférieur ou égal au seuil de la pauvreté pour 76 % d’entre elles, 63 % avaient terminé leurs études secondaires ou étaient allées plus loin, et 29 % étaient nées à l’étranger. Le taux d’allaitement initial s’élevait à 77 % (380 sur 493 mères). Sur les 270 femmes qui ont commencé à allaiter et qui ont été interviewées jusqu’à cinq mois après l’accouchement, 63 % ont continué d’allaiter leur bébé pendant trois mois au moins. Les femmes plus éduquées, mariées, ne connaissant aucun stress financier et qui avaient suivi les cours prénatals ont été celles qui avaient la plus grande probabilité de commencer à allaiter. La poursuite de l’allaitement est apparue associée à un âge plus avancé, à un niveau d’études plus élevé, à l’absence de tabagisme, et à la participation à un programme de visites à domicile. Les stratégies de promotion de l’allaitement doivent comprendre un soutien permanent ainsi qu’un volet éducatif.
Footnotes
Funding for Better Beginnings, Better Futures is provided by the Ontario Ministries of Community and Social Services, Health, and Education.
The views expressed in this paper do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of Ontario or the Better Beginnings, Better Futures Research Coordination Unit.
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