Evaluating Breastfeeding Rates and Factors Influencing Success

Background and Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of women who delivered between 2021-2023, receiving prenatal care and delivering at our institution. Patients were surveyed via phone in which they were asked about breastfeeding, preparedness, and influencing factors. Chart review was then performed to obtain demographic characteristics and maternal and neonatal complications. T-test and Chi-square analyses were performed for continuous and categorical values respectively to compare those patients that breastfed to those that did not. Results: 120 patients were surveyed in which 92 reported breastfeeding (76.7%). When comparing baseline demographics, there were no differences between the groups, except English as a primary language in a larger proportion in the breastfeeding group. When comparing medical conditions, prenatal complications, and medications, there were no differences among the groups, however there was a trend toward significance for substance use with a p-value of 0.1. Only 31 out of the 92 patients reported breastfeeding for at least 6 months. Most patients (83.7%) felt prepared to breastfeed and maternal and neonatal health benefit was the most common reason for breastfeeding. Difficulty with latching and supply were reported as the most common challenges in the non-breastfeeding group. Conclusions: Our study showed that many patients initiate breastfeeding but do not continue for the recommended 6-month duration. Primary language, substance use, and need for more education/support may be barriers to success.