Breastfeeding in Canada: predictors of initiation, exclusivity, and continuation from the 2017–2018 Canadian Community Health Survey

Abstract

Human milk is the ideal source of nutrition for infants, however adherence to breastfeeding recommendations is suboptimal and availability of Canadian breastfeeding data is limited. Using the 2017-2018 Canadian Community Health Survey Public Use Microdata File (Maternal Experiences Module, n=5,558, weighted n=1,669,462) we computed breastfeeding indicators, and explored sociodemographic, health and geographical predictors of breastfeeding with univariate logistic regression models. Nationally, of all participants who gave birth in the preceding 5 years, 91% initiated breastfeeding, 43% exclusively breastfed to ≥5 months and 35% to ≥6 months, 56% reported any breastfeeding at ≥6 months, and 31% reported breastfeeding at ≥12 months. Breastfeeding cessation was most commonly attributed to insufficient milk supply (25%), but reasons differed significantly by breastfeeding duration. Breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity for ≥5 months, and extended ≥12 months all differed by geographic region, and by most sociodemographic and health characteristics. Positive breastfeeding outcomes were highest in British Columbia, and lowest in Quebec and the Atlantic region, and generally higher if caregivers had recently immigrated to Canada, were married, >30 years of age, not White, non-smoking, had completed post-secondary education, and had an annual household income >$40,000. These disparities indicate the need for tailored, equitable approaches to breastfeeding support, and continued regional monitoring of breastfeeding outcomes.

Dual modality feeders: a group of human milk feeders with unique practices and needs

“…91 % nationally) and exclusive feeding of human milk for 6 months at 30 % ( v . 35 % nationally) (21) .…”

Household food insecurity is negatively associated with achievement of prenatal intentions to feed only breast milk in the first six months postpartum

“…To optimize infant and maternal health and infant development, global infant feeding recommendations include exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life ( 8 , 9 ). The most recent national Canadian data indicate that while 91% of infants initiated breastfeeding, only 35% exclusively breastfed to six months ( 10 ). As in other high-income countries, there are social disparities in breastfeeding as this behavior is negatively impacted by the social and structural determinants of health, including HFI ( 11 – 13 ).…”

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for postpartum hypogalactia: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…In China and Europe, the rate is just 13%–39% and 29%, respectively 3 4. Many investigators have reported that PH is the most common cause of breastfeeding failure 5–7. Breast milk has been identified as the gold standard to provide nutritional support for all infants and prevent infant morbidity and mortality 8–10.…”

“…3 4 Many investigators have reported that PH is the most common cause of breastfeeding failure. [5][6][7] Breast milk has been identified as the gold standard to provide nutritional support for all infants and prevent infant morbidity and mortality. [8][9][10] For mothers, breast feeding can decrease the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes.…”