The Effect of Breastfeeding in the First Hour and Rooming-In of Low-Income, Multi-Ethnic Mothers on In-Hospital, One and Three Month High Breastfeeding Intensity

Despite the known benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, the value of Baby-Friendly Hospital Interventions in increasing breastfeeding rates has been challenged, particularly the interventions of breastfeeding in the first hour of life and rooming-in. This study aimed to measure the association of breastfeeding in the first hour of life and rooming-in with high breastfeeding intensity of low-income, multi-ethnic mothers intending to breastfeed. A prospective, longitudinal cohort study was performed on 149 postpartum mothers who intended to breastfeed their infants. Structured interviews were performed at birth and one and three months. Breastfeeding intensity was defined as the percentage of all feedings that were breast milk, and high breastfeeding intensity was defined as a breastfeeding intensity >80%. The data were analyzed by chi-square, t-test, binary logistic regression analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Breastfeeding in the first hour was associated with increased high breastfeeding intensity in the hospital (AOR = 11.6, 95% CI = 4.7–28.6) and at one month (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI = 1.6–7.7), but not at three months. Rooming-in was associated with increased high breastfeeding intensity in the hospital (AOR 9.3, 95% CI = 3.6–23.7) and at one month (AOR = 2.4 (1.1–5.3) and three months (AOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2–6.3). Breastfeeding in the first hour and rooming-in are associated with increasing breastfeeding and should be incorporated into practice.