Predictors for successful breastfeeding as a basis for further formation of breastfeeding dominance: results of multivariate analysis

Breastfeeding (BF) is an optimal nutrition and a strong epigenetic factor in the metabolic programming of the child's health. The purpose of this research was to determine the predictors for successful BF that contribute to further formation of breastfeeding dominance and its implementation during the lactation period. Materials and methods used: a single-center cross-sectional survey study included 6,263 mothers with experience of breastfeeding their full-term child from more than 500 settlements overall Russia. Questionnaires were received in both paper and electronic versions. The influence of 38 factors on the risk of lactation cessation determining the successful BF was assessed using multivariate analysis. Results: predictors influencing the successful BF were determined (p<0.05) as follows. Predictors that increase the risk of BF cessation include cesarean section (OR=1.16 [95% CI 1.02; 1.31]), introduction of infant formula (IF) after discharge from the maternity hospital (OR=5.07 [95% CI 4.52; 5.69]), supplementary feeding with IF during the first six months of life (OR=1.49 [95% CI 1.30; 1.71]) and BF suggestions from nurses during lactation (OR=1.21 [95% CI 1.08; 1.37]). Predictors that reduce the risk of BF cessation include co-sleeping with the child (OR=0.59 [95% CI 0.52; 0.66]), BF suggestions from nutritionist consultants during lactation (OR=0.61 [95% CI 0.55; 0.67]), information on the BF benefits obtained from the Internet (OR=0.77 [95% CI 0.69; 0.87]) and maternal age over 28 y/o (OR=0.97 [95% CI 0.96; 0.98]). Conclusion: the successful BF determined by the lactation duration is positively affected by co-sleeping with the child, BF suggestions that come from nutritionist consultants during lactation and information on the BF benefits from the Internet.