Citation

Lau Y, Chan KS. J. Midwifery Womens Health 2007; 52(2): e15-20.

Affiliation

School of Health Sciences at Macao Polytechnic Institute. h9770024@hkusua.hku.hk

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jmwh.2006.09.001

PMID

17336812

Abstract

Numerous studies show that breastfeeding is beneficial to both mothers and babies. This study explores two understudied correlates that may influence breastfeeding initiation: intimate partner violence during pregnancy and early postnatal depressive symptoms. A cross-sectional comparative study design investigated the correlates of feeding modes of 1200 Chinese mother and infant pairs in a university-affiliated regional hospital in Hong Kong. The prevalence rates of breastfeeding and mixed feeding were 42.25% and 26.25%, respectively. Women who had no experience of intimate partner violence during pregnancy were significantly more likely to initiate breastfeeding (adjusted odds ratio = 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-2.91) after adjustment for demographic, socioeconomic, and obstetric variables. Early postnatal depressive symptoms were not significantly associated with feeding modes in a multinomial logistic regression model. Midwives are in a key position to identify and intervene to encourage more successful breastfeeding practice.

Language: en