Effects of Parity and Weaning Practices on Breastfeeding Duration

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to examine (a) patterns of breastfeeding and (b) duration with parity and breastfeeding experience, and (c) mothers' reasons for termination of breastfeeding. A convenience sample of 120 breastfeeding mothers was followed by home visits and telephone for 20 weeks after delivery. The sample consisted of 69 primiparas, 40 multiparas with previous breastfeeding experience, and 11 multiparas with no prior breastfeeding experience. Parity was not significantly associated with the continuation of breastfeeding but there was a trend toward a difference made by breastfeeding experience. Inadequate milk supply and employment were the two most common reasons reported for weaning. Implications for support in the workplace and for first-time breastfeeding mothers are discussed.

The influence of psychosocial factors on the duration of breastfeeding

“…Our finding that experience from previous breastfeeding has significant importance for the following child is consistent with other studies (6,9,22,23). Vestermark (9) finds that subsequent babies are usually breastfed for the same period or longer.…”

Human Lactation, Pair-bonds, and Alloparents

“…A study of 133 preindustrial societies suggests that maternal work patterns, subsistence strategies, and the reproductive costs of prolonged lactation affect breastfeeding duration (Sellen and Smay 2001). Relatively long daily separations between mothers and infants may lead to earlier weaning by single mothers, similar to the reported earlier weaning for working women in developed countries (Arlotti et al 1998;Bick et al 1998;Bouvier and Rougemont 1998;Hill et al 1997;Fein and Roe 1998;Lindenberg et al 1990;Visness and Kennedy 1997). Support mothers receive from potential alloparents may affect their work and breastfeeding patterns.…”

Constructing Compatibility: Managing Breast-Feeding and Weaning from the Mother’s Perspective

“…Lower breastfeeding rates have been noted amongst immigrant women from different cultural backgrounds in Australia (Hitchcock & Coy, 1988). The increasing likelihood of mothers discontinuing breastfeeding due to employment has also been supported in the international literature (Bergh, 1993;Cox & Turnbull, 1994;Earland et al, 1997;Hill, Humenick, Argubright & Aldag, 1997;Roe, Whittington, Fein & Teisl, 1999;Vogel & Mitchell, 1998). Furthermore, although firsttime American mothers are more likely to initiate breastfeeding, experienced mothers tend to breastfeed for longer periods oftime (Piper & Parks, 1996).…”

“…I was reaily happy about that ... , 1999). How women were expected to achieve these modem expectations was not easy as the existence of competition between work and breastfeeding has been recognised in the literature (Bergh, 1993;Cox & Turnbull, 1994;Earland et al, 1997;Hill et al, 1997;Roe et al, 1999;Vogel & Mitchell, 1998). The message of the conflict between breastfeeding and working was also subtly reinforced in lay literature such as parents' magazines by statements such as: "Even if you need to return to work early, breastfeeding for one month can be beneficial for your baby" (Schmitt, 1998, p. I).…”