Factors Influence Breastfeeding Duration after High Risk and Low Risk Pregnancies

Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding provides vital nutrients and fosters maternal-infant bonding, benefiting both mother and child. However, breastfeeding duration is influenced by various factors, especially in women of high-risk pregnancy. This study aims to identify predictors of breastfeeding duration among women of high-risk and low-risk pregnancy, focusing on exclusive and mixed feeding practices.

Methods: Conducted at a public hospital in Attica, Greece, this 20-month prospective cohort study (May 2020-January 2022) included 380 pregnant women, divided into high-risk and low-risk groups. The final sample of 157 women, after excluding non-breastfeeding participants, was assessed across five phases from prenatal to six months postpartum using interviews, calls, and surveys. Multiple linear regression identified key predictors, with statistical methods applied.

Results: Results revealed birth weight as a consistent significant predictor of breastfeeding duration. For women with high-risk pregnancy, additional factors like infant gender, jaundice, and early introduction of solid foods influenced breastfeeding duration. The mixed breastfeeding model for women with high-risk pregnancy explained 72.9% of the variance. Exclusive and mixed breastfeeding models for women with low-risk pregnancy also highlighted birth weight's influence.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the important role of birth weight and other specific factors in determining breastfeeding duration among women of high-risk and low-risk pregnancy. Further research is needed to validate these findings across diverse populations.

Keywords: birth weight; breastfeeding duration; exclusive breastfeeding; high-risk pregnancy; maternal health; mixed feeding; predictive factors.

Figure 1

Data preparation and analysis process.

Figure 2

R-squared values of breastfeeding duration.