Maternal screen use and patterns of breastfeeding: A population-based Canadian study

Most mothers use screen technology during parenting activities. However, there is little compelling evidence on whether maternal technology habits can interfere with breastfeeding practices. We prospectively estimate how maternal screen use and technoference contributes to breastfeeding practices. This study comprises a population-based sample of 3863 mothers of infants (50.7% of girls) from Quebec, Canada. Mothers reported daily screen use and technoference at 5 months and breastfeeding practices at 5 and 17 months, respectively. Similar proportions of boys and girls were breastfed. 11.4% of mothers reported no breastfeeding, 30.4% did not exclusively breastfed for 6 months or less, 27.3% non-exclusively breastfed for > 6 months, and 30.9% reported exclusive breastfeeding for > 6 months. A multivariable multinomial regression model with survey-weighted data revealed that each additional hour of maternal daily screen use increased the odds of non-breastfeeding by 12% (OR= 1.12, 95% CI [1.02–1.22]) and of non-exclusively breastfeeding for the first 6 months by 9% (OR= 1.09 [1.03–1.15]), in comparison to mothers exclusively breastfeeding for > 6 months. Reported technoference was associated with 33% lower odds of non-breastfeeding (OR=0.67 [0.57–0.80]) and 20% lower odds of non-exclusively breastfeeding for 6 months or less (OR=0.80 [0.73–0.88]). No difference was found between mothers non-exclusively vs exclusively breastfeeding for > 6 months. Mothers who breastfed for > 6 months reported more interactive interference with technology despite lower daily screen use. As technology evolves rapidly, its associated risks for breastfeeding practices represent a growing public health concern. • Maternal screen use is common during breastfeeding. • Maternal daily screen use is associated with patterns of breastfeeding. • Maternal screen use can disrupt maternal ability to continued breastfeeding. • Screen use may represent a growing public health concern for breastfeeding.