Prevalence of breast-feeding in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study and health service-related correlates of cessation of full breast-feeding

Abstract

Objective: First, to describe the prevalence of both full and partial breast-feeding during the first 6 months; second, to study the associations between selected health service-related factors and cessation of full breast-feeding at three time intervals. Design: Retrospective questionnaires, 6 months after birth. Setting: The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Subjects: In total, 29 621 women. Results: While 96?6 %, 94?0 %, 90?8 %, 86?9 %, 83?8 % and 80?0 % of the infants were breast-fed at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 months, respectively, the corresponding proportions for full breast-feeding were 84?6 %, 79?1 %, 70?9 %, 44?0 %, 16?7 % and 2?1 %. An increased risk of cessation of full breast-feeding during the first month was associated with supplementation during the first week of life with water (relative risk (RR) 1?77; 95 % CI 1?52, 2?06), sugar water (RR 1?73; 95 % CI 1?49, 2?00) or formula (RR 5?99; 95 % CI 5?58, 6?42). An increased risk was also associated with Caesarean delivery (RR 1?08; 95 % CI 1?00, 1?16) and breast-feeding problems (RR 1?56; 95 % CI 1?45, 1?67). Between months 1 and 3, the risk of cessation of full breast-feeding remained elevated in the case of supplementation during the first week of life with water (RR 1?29; 95 % CI 1?14, 1?45), sugar water (RR 1?48; 95 % CI 1?34, 1?64) or formula (RR 1?18; 95 % CI 1?07, 1?29). The same applied to Caesarean delivery (RR 1?15; 95 % CI 1?06, 1?25). Conclusions: Supplementation during the first week, breast-feeding problems and Caesarean delivery are associated with early cessation of full breast-feeding. The results support a cautious approach to supplementation during the first week of life.

Breast-feeding in relation to weight retention up to 36 months postpartum in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study: modification by socio-economic status?

“…As previously reported, 98?7 % of MoBa mothers were found to initiate breast-feeding and 80?0 % of the children were breast-fed at 6 months; however only 2?1 % were fully breast-fed at 6 months (26) . There was a pronounced decline in full breast-feeding between 3 and 4 months, from 70?9 % to 44?0 %.…”

“…In our statistical analyses, the two variables both acted as independent predictors, supporting our decision to study both of these indicators. Both maternal education and household income have also been used in previous papers (26) . The overall relationship between breast-feeding and PPWR was attenuated at 18 and 36 months postpartum compared with results from the 6 months analyses.…”

Infant Feeding in Relation to Islet Autoimmunity and Type 1 Diabetes in Genetically Susceptible Children: The MIDIA Study

“…The Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young (DAISY) did not find any association with type 1 diabetes for exclusive breast-feeding duration or for any breast-feeding duration when other dietary exposures were not taken in to consideration (12 (20). The risk of developing islet autoimmunity was not predicted by full breast-feeding or any breast-feeding duration.…”

Characterisation of human exposure pathways to perfluorinated compounds — Comparing exposure estimates with biomarkers of exposure

“…The fact that many Norwegians are high consumers of fish (EFSA 2004) and spend a lot of time indoors due to the climate, thus makes evaluation of these exposure pathways particularly important. Further, Norwegian mothers are among the most enthusiastic breast-feeders in the world, and more than 80% of all babies are breastfed at the age of six months (Andreassen et al 2001;Häggkvist et al 2010). Thus, evaluation of the exposure of infants to PFCs through breast-feeding in relation to exposure from the indoor environment is also of particular interest in Norway.…”

“…Norwegian governmental authorities recommend exclusive breast-feeding the first half year (Norwegian Directorate of Health 2008), and more than 80% of all babies are breast-fed at the age of six months (Andreassen et al 2001;Häggkvist et al 2010).…”