Factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding in Poland: cross-sectional survey of population-based samples.

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding in maternity hospital care and during the first six months after birth.

METHODS

Two cross-sectional surveys form the basis of this study: the first, conducted in 1995 on maternity wards (n = 11,422 newborns) and the second, conducted in 1997 in primary care centers (n = 10,156 infants under six months).

RESULTS

The most meaningful factors in hospital care were: cesarean section, breastfeeding initiation after 2 h, lack of skin to skin contact, use of pacifiers, separation longer than 1h/24 h and health problems of infants. After hospital discharge the most significant factors were: use of pacifiers, mothers reluctance to exclusive breastfeeding longer then four months, low level of mother and father education.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of identified factors can be modified so our results can help to introduce more effective target intervention.