Exclusive and any breast-feeding rates of Pacific infants in Auckland: data from the Pacific Islands Families First Two Years of Life study

Abstract

Objectives: To present current breast-feeding rates for Pacific infants resident in New Zealand. Reasons for the introduction of complementary liquid foods were also explored. Design: A longitudinal study using hospital discharge summary records and maternal home interviews undertaken at 6 weeks, 12 and 24 months postpartum. Turnbull's non-parametric survival analysis was used to model exclusive breast-feeding rates. Setting: Auckland, New Zealand. Results: The cohort comprised 1376 infants at 6 weeks, 1223 infants at 12 months and 1142 infants at 24 months. Exclusive breast-feeding rates at hospital discharge, 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months postpartum were 84% (95% confidence interval (CI): 80-88%), 49% (95% CI: 43-55%), 37% (95% CI: 32-42%) and 9% (95% CI: 7-11%), respectively. Significant ethnic difference existed, with Samoan mothers having higher exclusive breast-feeding rates than Tongan mothers (P ¼ 0.002). The percentage of infants receiving any breast milk at hospital discharge, 6 weeks, 12 and 24 months was 96% (95% CI: 94 -97%), 95% (95% CI: 94 -96%), 31% (95% CI: 28 -34%) and 15% (95% CI: 13 -17%), respectively. Again ethnic differences emerged. Common reasons cited for discontinuation of exclusive breast-feeding included uncertainty of breast milk supply (56%), problems with breasts (30%) and difficulties breast-feeding in work or educational environments (26%). However, 691 (50%) mothers sought no advice about their breast-feeding concerns within the first six weeks of life. Conclusions: Exclusive breast-feeding rates for Pacific infants are ethnically heterogeneous, have declined since the 1990s and fall short of the World Health Organization recommendations. The principal reasons cited for exclusive breastfeeding discontinuation echo those reported over a decade ago.

Infant care practices associated with sudden infant death syndrome: Findings from the Pacific Islands Families study

“…In our study of Pacific infants with median age of 7 weeks, 50% were fully breastfed. The difference between the Ministry’s and our figures is likely primarily due to the age‐dependent decline in breastfeeding rates 31 . Although undoubtedly conferring substantial benefits to both mother and child, 32 not all studies support breastfeeding as a protective factor for SIDS 33 .…”

Randomized controlled trial of 4 compared with 6 mo of exclusive breastfeeding in Iceland: differences in breast-milk intake by stable-isotope probe

“…This suggestion was not intended to undermine breastfeeding but rather to promote further research into this important issue. Mothers themselves commonly cite concern that their breast milk has become insufficient as a source of nutrition for their infant as a reason for introducing formula-milk or complementary foods (39,40); hence, evidence on the breast-milk intakes of EBF infants will help encourage mothers to breastfeed. In the present study, we have shown that the large majority (77%) of a sample of mothers practicing EBF at 4 mo successfully continued EBF to 6 mo, with their infants showing adequate growth.…”

Breast-feeding perceptions, beliefs and experiences of Marshallese migrants: an exploratory study

“…34 Additionally, Schluter, Carter, and Percival conducted a study of Pacific Islanders in New Zealand and found that a growing concern to breastfeeding duration is the uncertainty of breast milk supply. 35 Research indicates that perceived insufficient milk supply is commonly due to mothers’ lack of education and understanding of effective techniques to increase milk supply. 35 Concurrently, Abdulraheem and Binns found that, among Maldivian mothers, the main reason given for mothers ceasing breastfeeding was the introduction of formula due to beliefs of low milk supply.…”