Čimbenici majčine odluke o dojenju

Purpose: The aim of the research was to analyze factors that are significantly related to the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and total breastfeeding of mothers from Croatia. Method: The study is cross-sectional, done in the period from December 1st, 2023. until May 1st, 2024. The data about breastfeeding factors was collected from 361 mothers via an online questionnaire. Results: The duration of exclusive breastfeeding statistically significantly correlates with cesarean section, giving a pacifier or a bottle in the first month of the child's life (r = - 0.41), mother's age, the mother's vocational training, the decision to breastfeed being made before pregnancy, the support for breastfeeding in a public place (r = 0.22), previous breastfeeding experience (r = 0.21), the first breastfeeding being done within an hour, rooming, participating in the work of breastfeeding support groups, not providing substitutes for breast milk in the maternity ward (r = 0.29). The total duration of breastfeeding is statistically significantly correlated with the use of tobacco products during pregnancy (r = - 0.45), cesarean delivery, giving a pacifier or bottle in the first month of the child's life (r = - 0.35), not providing substitutes for breast milk in the maternity hospital (r = 0.26), skin-to-skin contact after birth, mothers' participation in breastfeeding support groups (r = 0.27), attending pregnancy courses (both parents), rooming, first breastfeeding being done within an hour (r = 0.21), previous breastfeeding experience, support for breastfeeding in a public place (r = 0.20), decision on breastfeeding being made before pregnancy, vocational education (r = 0.20) mother's age (r = 0.21), and exclusive breastfeeding (r = 0.67). Conclusion: The quality of healthcare workers' help to mothers before, during and after childbirth, significantly affects the success of breastfeeding.