Modifiable Individual Factors Associated with Breastfeeding: A Cohort Study in China

Breast milk is an ideal first food for infants in the initial months of life. This study aimed to identify modifiable individual factors in breastfeeding during the first six months of life in Hunan. This birth cohort study was conducted in three communities in Changsha, Hunan province. Data were collected through maternal health manuals and self-administered questionnaires during the follow-up period. To find risk factors and calculate odds ratios, generalized estimating equation models were applied. The final study included 951 mother-infant pairs. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and any breastfeeding in this study was below the World Health Organization’s breastfeeding goals. Infant age, passive smoking after delivery, minor postnatal depression, and feeding-bottles were shown to act negatively on both exclusive breastfeeding and any breastfeeding. In addition, cesarean delivery and delayed breastfeeding initiation had adverse effects on exclusive breastfeeding. Multiparas were less likely to continue any breastfeeding during the first few months. This study highlights the importance of screening probable maternal depression during primary care service and reducing secondhand smoke and feeding-bottle use. The results also suggest that healthcare professionals should provide more assistance and education to multiparas and mothers with cesarean delivery or delayed breastfeeding initiation.